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Suffuse Meaning: Definition and Examples

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suffuse

[səˈfjuːz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

fill, spread

To suffuse means to spread over or through something, particularly in a gradual or subtle manner. It often describes the way light or color can fill a space or how emotions can permeate a person's being. This term can be used to indicate a saturation that is both physical and metaphorical, suggesting a gentle, enveloping quality.

Synonyms

imbue, infuse, permeate, radiate.

Examples of usage

  • The sunset suffused the sky with vibrant colors.
  • Her cheeks suffused with color as she blushed.
  • The aroma of the freshly baked bread suffused the room.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often use 'suffuse' to create vivid imagery, helping readers visualize colors or emotions.
  • In poetry, 'suffuse' might describe how light gently fills a scene, enhancing the atmosphere.
  • Famous authors like Virginia Woolf have employed the term to convey complex feelings and ideas.

Science

  • In biology, 'suffuse' can describe the way a substance, like dye, permeates cells or tissues.
  • In chemistry, it relates to how solutions or gases can spread uniformly through a medium.
  • The concept can also be applied to how certain phenomena, like light, travel and 'suffuse' space.

Art

  • Artists use the idea of 'suffusing' color to create depth and emotion in their works.
  • Impressionist painters like Monet are known for their techniques that suffuse light in their landscapes.
  • In photography, lighting can suffuse an image, giving it a soft, ethereal quality.

Psychology

  • In mental imagery, individuals can 'suffuse' their thoughts with emotions or associations, enhancing memory.
  • The concept of emotional suffusion explains how moods can permeate an entire situation.
  • Therapists may describe how certain feelings can suffuse an individual’s perception of their environment.

Origin of 'suffuse'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'suffundere', which means 'to pour over'.
  • The roots break down to 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'fundere' meaning 'to pour'.
  • The term has been used since the late 15th century in English to describe the act of spreading out.

The word 'suffuse' originates from the Latin word 'suffundere', which is composed of the prefix 'sub-', meaning 'under', and 'fundere', meaning 'to pour'. This etymology suggests the idea of pouring out or spreading something gradually over a surface. The term appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, evolving in usage to encompass physical phenomena like liquid spreading over an area, as well as more abstract applications, such as emotions or atmospheres that envelop a person or space. 'Suffuse' emphasizes a gentle, almost delicate overlay, which has allowed it to find a place in both poetic and scientific literature.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,954, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.