Suffusion: meaning, definitions and examples

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suffusion

[səˈfjuːʒən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical

The act of overspreading or spreading over. A spreading out in all directions.

Synonyms

diffusion, dispersion, spread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suffusion	Use 'suffusion' when referring to a gradual spread of a color, light, or another quality over an area, typically creating a particular effect. It is often used in a more poetic or descriptive context. The sunset brought a suffusion of pink and orange across the sky. There was a warm suffusion of light in the room from the fireplace.
spread	'Spread' is a general term used to describe something extending over a large area or among many people. It's commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts, covering a wide range of situations from food to diseases. The news of their engagement spread quickly among friends and family. Spread the butter evenly over the toast.
diffusion	'Diffusion' is best used when talking about the process by which substances spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. It's common in scientific contexts, such as chemistry and physics. The diffusion of the perfume molecules could be smelled throughout the room. Diffusion is a key concept in understanding how gases mix.
dispersion	'Dispersion' refers to the process of distributing things or people over a wide area. It is often used in a scientific or technical context, such as in optics (for light) or in describing populations or particles. The dispersion of light through a prism creates a rainbow. Ecologists study the dispersion patterns of animal populations.

Examples of usage

The suffusion of blood in the tissues.
A suffusion of light throughout the room.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

art

The technique of blurring edges in painting to create a soft focus effect.

Synonyms

blurring, smudging, softening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suffusion	Use 'suffusion' when describing the process of spreading a substance or color gradually, typically in a way that pervades a medium. It often suggests a gentle or subtle infusion. The sky had a suffusion of pink hues as the sun set
blurring	Use 'blurring' when discussing something becoming unclear, indistinct, or smeared, particularly in the context of vision, images, or boundaries. This term can be both physical and metaphorical. Her tears caused the words on the page to start blurring
softening	Use 'softening' when indicating the process of making or becoming less hard, harsh, or intense. This can apply to textures, materials, sounds, lights, feelings, and even attitudes. It often implies a gentle touch. The artist was perfecting her sculpture by softening the edges
smudging	Use 'smudging' when referring to making a mark or stain by spreading or rubbing, often leaving a messy or dirty residue. This term typically carries a negative connotation and suggests a less controlled process than blurring or softening. He accidentally touched the wet ink, smudging the letters

Examples of usage

The artist used suffusion to create a dreamy atmosphere in the painting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'suffusio', which means 'to pour underneath', highlighting its essence of spreading.
The prefix 'sub-' means 'under', combined with 'fusion', adds to the meaning of something flowing and mixing in.
The term has roots in various languages, illustrating similar concepts of spreading and diffusion in different cultures.

Science

In biology, suffusion describes how fluids can diffuse through tissues, critical for understanding how our body delivers nutrients.
In physics, it's used to describe the scattering of light or sound waves in different mediums, affecting how we perceive them.
Chemistry employs the term to refer to the even distribution of substances in a mixture, essential for reactions.

Art and Aesthetics

Artists often use suffusion of colors to create depth and dimension in paintings, impacting how viewers perceive light and shadows.
Photography uses this concept when discussing how light gradually spreads across an image, enhancing mood and emotion.
In makeup, 'suffusion' can refer to how products blend seamlessly into the skin for a natural look.

Psychology

Suffusion applies to emotions, depicting how feelings can spread from one person to another during social interactions.
In cognitive science, it describes how information can suffuse our thoughts, affecting decision-making and perceptions.
The concept is also prominent in discussions about mood contagion, where emotions ripple through groups.

Literature

In poetry and prose, suffusion describes techniques where imagery and themes blend to create layered meanings.
Famous authors harness the idea of suffusion to evoke feelings through metaphorical language, enriching reader experience.
Classical literature often explores themes of suffusion, such as the spread of love or despair among characters.

Translations

Translations of the word "suffusion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sufusão

🇮🇳 संचालितता

🇩🇪 Durchtränkung

🇮🇩 penyusupan

🇺🇦 просочування

🇵🇱 przesiąkanie

🇯🇵 浸透

🇫🇷 suffusion

🇪🇸 sufusión

🇹🇷 süzülme

🇰🇷 침윤

🇸🇦 تسرب

🇨🇿 prosakování

🇸🇰 presakovanie

🇨🇳 渗透

🇸🇮 prepojenost

🇮🇸 íflæði

🇰🇿 сіңу

🇬🇪 გაჟონვა

🇦🇿 sızma

🇲🇽 sufusión

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,337 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
32334 replaying
32335 endive
32336 outbid
32337 suffusion
32338 helluva
32339 trilobite
32340 enure
...