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Suffused Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suffused

[səˈfjuːzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

full of

Suffused means to spread or flow throughout something, often in a way that is diffused and gentle. It can refer to a quality, light, or feeling that permeates an area, filling it completely.

Synonyms

infused, permeated, saturated, spilled.

Examples of usage

  • The room was suffused with warm light.
  • Her laughter suffused the atmosphere with joy.
  • The scent of flowers suffused the garden.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often use the term to create vivid imagery, describing light or colors spreading through a landscape.
  • In poetry, a suffused quality can evoke deep emotions, such as warmth or gloom, depending on the context.
  • Famous poets like Emily Dickinson have exemplified the use of this word to convey deep, layered meanings in their works.

Science

  • In physics, light can be described as being suffused when it spreads out evenly through a medium.
  • The concept is also relevant in biology, where certain substances can suffuse tissues, allowing for nutrient distribution.
  • In environmental science, pollutants can suffuse through soil layers, illustrating how substances intermingle with nature.

Art

  • Artists often use the idea of suffusion to create effects in painting, where colors meld smoothly into one another.
  • The technique of glazing in painting can create a suffused appearance, making artworks appear more vibrant and dynamic.
  • In photography, images can be suffused with light during editing to enhance mood and atmosphere.

Psychology

  • Emotional states can be described as suffused, where feelings spread throughout a person, influencing behaviors and thoughts.
  • The term can also relate to the sensation of warmth or comfort that suffuses the mind during meditative practices.
  • In therapeutic contexts, practitioners may describe a sense of peace that suffuses a person's consciousness after successful sessions.

Origin of 'suffused'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in Latin, coming from 'suffundere', which means 'to pour over or beneath'.
  • The prefix 'sub-' means 'under', while 'fundere' means 'to pour', giving a visual of pouring something over.
  • It began being used in English around the early 14th century, showing how words evolve through time.

The word 'suffused' comes from the Latin 'suffundere,' which means 'to pour under or below.' This Latin term itself is a combination of 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'fundere,' meaning 'to pour.' Over time, the word evolved through Old French before entering the English language. The early uses centered on the literal act of pouring a substance, but it soon developed a more abstract connotation, describing the idea of something spreading through or being infused into something else, whether that be light, color, or emotion. The transition from a physical action to a metaphorical concept contributed to its richness in modern English usage.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,504, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.