Suffused: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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

• ...
• 19501 fumigation
• 19502 turnip
• 19503 calcined
• 19504 suffused
• 19505 pion
• 19506 bygone
• 19507 stratosphere
• ...