Skip to main content
diffusely

diffusely

7.5
In a way that spreads out over a wide area rather than staying in one place
  • adverb
  • /dɪˈfjuːsli/
translation icon : difusamente
  • In the controls, the distribution of positive PCNA immunostaining was predominantly located near the basal cell layer of the tumor cords, whereas the BSCC specimens featured diffusely spread tumor islands.
  • more diffusely

And when he was referred to us, he was having this diffusely swollen palate.

Examples

  • The light from the tall windows bounced diffusely off the white tablecloth, illuminating her face like one of Fra Angelico's angels.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • And when he was referred to us, he was having this diffusely swollen palate.

  • Her physical exam was significant for a diffusely tender upper abdomen.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The vitreous body was diffusely tinged with blood.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Beta waves are normally seen more diffusely during intense mental activity and have frequencies ranging from 13 to 30 Hz.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The supraglottic area was diffusely inflamed (figure 1).

    Academic text (2002)
  • Her uvula was swollen to twice its normal size, and the posterior oropharynx was diffusely edematous bilaterally.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The sunlight filtered diffusely through the leaves, creating a gentle glow in the forest.

  • In the conference room, ideas were discussed diffusely, with everyone contributing but no single point dominating.

  • During the event, information was shared diffusely among the attendees, ensuring that everyone received the same updates.

Synonyms

pervasively
vsdiffusely
2 6.6

In a way that spreads widely through a place or among many people

is spread across a wide area without being present in most parts
dispersedly
vsdiffusely
6.5

In a scattered way across an area, not in one place

is spread more evenly among many people or things rather than patchy

How Widespread

pervasively
2 6.6
widely
388 1.0
diffusely
7.5
regionally
9 4.0
locally
127 1.4

Surface Forms

diffusely positive

Morphology

diffusely = diffuse (transparent) = diffuse + ly

Standard adverbial formation by adding '-ly' to the adjective 'diffuse', yielding a predictable meaning 'in a diffuse manner'.

Etymology

Diffusely comes from two Latin parts, dis- meaning 'apart' and fundere meaning 'to pour', so imagine pouring water and letting it fall apart in many directions. So diffusely means 'spread out' over a wide area or among many things, not focused in one place.