diffusion
dih-FYOO-zhun
/dɪˈfjuːʒən/
The spreading of something more widely, such as cultural traits, ideas, or styles from one society to another.
Implies a natural, passive 'seeping' or 'pouring' of ideas across borders rather than a forced change.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'diffundere', which means 'to pour out in different directions'. Imagine a drop of ink hitting a glass of water and slowly spreading—that is diffusion.
Word relationships
- dissemination: Usually refers to the intentional spreading of information or seeds.
- proliferation: Implies a rapid increase in numbers or a 'bursting' forth.
- concentration: The gathering of things in one place.
- stagnation: The state of not flowing or moving.
Commonly confused with
- integration: Diffusion is the process of the idea moving; integration is the process of the idea being accepted into the new system.
Word family
- diffuse (verb/adjective): To spread or cause to spread over a wide area.
- diffusive (adjective): Tending to spread out.
Collocations
- cultural diffusion
- diffusion of innovation
- rapid diffusion
Example sentences
- "The diffusion of agricultural techniques changed the landscape of the continent over thousands of years." An anthropologist explains how farming spread across Europe.
- "Social media has accelerated the diffusion of slang among teenagers globally." Discussing how viral trends move across the internet.
Memory hook
Think of a 'Diffuser' that spreads nice smells around a room. Cultural diffusion spreads ideas around the world. Ideas pouring across borders.
When not to use
Don't use for the active 'selling' of a product; use 'marketing' or 'distribution' instead.
Fun facts
- The 'Diffusion of Innovations' theory explains why some people adopt new tech (like iPhones) immediately while others wait years.
Related words
Explore more words
Diffuse, disseminate, assimilation, spillover, influence, infuse
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