Infuse: meaning, definitions and examples

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infuse

 

[ɪnˈfjuːz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

cooking

To fill or permeate with a particular quality or emotion. To soak or steep (tea, herbs, etc.) in liquid to extract flavors.

Synonyms

imbue, inject, instill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infuse

Use when talking about adding a new quality, flavor, or feeling into something gradually and thoroughly.

  • The chef decided to infuse the dessert with a hint of lavender.
  • Her leadership style infused the team with confidence.
imbue

Best used when describing the act of filling someone or something with a particular quality or feeling deeply and distinctly.

  • His speech was imbued with passion and sincerity.
  • The artist's works are imbued with a sense of melancholy.
instill

Use this word when referring to gradually but firmly establishing an idea or attitude into someone's mind, especially over a long period.

  • Parents should instill good manners in their children.
  • The coach is known for instilling discipline and hard work in his players.
inject

Often used in a literal or metaphorical sense to describe adding something into something else quickly or forcefully. It can have a slightly negative connotation when used metaphorically.

  • The doctor had to inject the patient with a vaccine.
  • She injected a dose of humor into the otherwise serious meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She infused the soup with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
  • The tea is infused with cinnamon and cloves.
Context #2 | Verb

medicine

To introduce a solution into a vein or body part.

Synonyms

administer, deliver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infuse

Typically used in medical or culinary contexts, 'infuse' means to allow something to penetrate or become part of something else over time.

  • The nurse will infuse the medication slowly over the course of an hour.
  • Let the tea leaves infuse in the boiling water for five minutes.
administer

'Administer' is often used in formal or medical contexts, meaning to give or apply something, such as medication or a test.

  • The doctor will administer the vaccine to the patients.
  • The teacher will administer the exam to the students.
deliver

'Deliver' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, meaning to bring or hand over something to the intended recipient.

  • The courier will deliver the package by tomorrow.
  • The keynote speaker will deliver a speech on climate change.

Examples of usage

  • The nurse will infuse the medication slowly to avoid side effects.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Latin word 'infundere,' which means 'to pour in.'
  • The term entered English in the late Middle Ages, originally related to pouring liquid into something.
  • In its early uses, it often referred to the act of adding flavors, particularly in cooking.

Culinary Arts

  • In cooking, to infuse means to soak ingredients (like herbs) in a liquid to extract flavors, often used in teas and oils.
  • Herbal teas are commonly infused, where boiling water extracts flavors from dried leaves, flowers, or fruits.
  • Infusion is a technique in modern cuisine, where chefs create unique dishes by blending traditional and new flavorisms.

Science

  • In chemistry, infusion can refer to the process of mixing solutes and solvents to create a solution.
  • The infusion process is crucial in fields like pharmacology, where specific compounds are combined to create medications.
  • In biology, infusing a solution into living tissues can be used to deliver nutrients or medications directly.

Literature

  • Metaphorically, 'infuse' is commonly used in writing to describe how ideas or themes are blended into stories.
  • Poetry often infuses emotions and imagery, creating a rich tapestry of meaning that resonates with readers.
  • Authors infuse their works with personal experiences or cultural references, adding depth to their narratives.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, to infuse traditions means to blend new practices with established customs, creating unique hybrid celebrations.
  • Tea ceremonies in various cultures emphasize the infusion process, highlighting the importance of preparation and appreciation.
  • Certain rituals use infusion, where symbolic elements are blended to convey deeper spiritual meanings.

Translations

Translations of the word "infuse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infundir

🇮🇳 समाहित करना

🇩🇪 infundieren

🇮🇩 menyuntikkan

🇺🇦 вливати

🇵🇱 nasycać

🇯🇵 注入する (ちゅうにゅうする)

🇫🇷 infuser

🇪🇸 infundir

🇹🇷 aşılamak

🇰🇷 주입하다

🇸🇦 يغمر

🇨🇿 napouštět

🇸🇰 napúšťať

🇨🇳 注入 (zhùrù)

🇸🇮 vbrizgati

🇮🇸 innspýta

🇰🇿 енгізу

🇬🇪 შენება

🇦🇿 yeritməyə

🇲🇽 infundir

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,765, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.