How to pronounce diffuse
Say it like dih-FYOOS. Diffuse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FYOOS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diffuse. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- FYOOS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diffuse pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FYOOSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of diffuse
American and British speakers say diffuse in essentially the same way: /dɪˈfjus/ in the US and /dɪˈfjuːz/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-FYOOZ.
What does diffuse mean?
- To spread (something) over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.“The small window diffuses light throughout the room.”
- To be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.“Food coloring diffuses in water.”
- Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.“Such a diffuse effort is unlikely to produce good results.”
- Wordy; verbose.
Where does diffuse come from?
From Middle French diffuser, from Latin diffūsus, past participle of diffundere, from dis- + fundere.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with diffuse
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of diffuse.
Questions about saying diffuse
How do you pronounce diffuse?
Say dih-FYOOS. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈfjus/. In British English it is /dɪˈfjuːz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diffuse?
Diffuse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FYOOS). Broken into parts: dih · FYOOS.
Do Americans and Brits say diffuse the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈfjus/ and the British form is /dɪˈfjuːz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.