Question

Which is the right spelling: "defuse" or "diffuse"?

2023-06-26

This is what goPenpal answered

Both are correct but they have different meanings. "Defuse" is a verb meaning to make a situation less dangerous, tense or awkward. It's often used when talking about disarming explosives. "Diffuse", on the other hand, can be a verb or an adjective. As a verb, it means to spread or scatter. As an adjective, it describes something that is spread out or dispersed. So, for example, you might defuse a heated argument, or light can diffuse throughout a room. Remember, spelling can be a blast; just don't let confusion about homophones detonate your sense of calm!

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