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diffuseness

noun/dɪˈfjus.nəs/

definition

the quality of being spread out or not concentrated

example

The diffuseness of the light in the room created a soft and inviting atmosphere.

synonyms
spreadnessdissipationdispersion
word origin — Derived from the Latin 'diffusio', meaning 'spreading out', from 'diffundere', which means 'to spread out' or 'to pour out'.

diffuseness, abstemiousness, ineluctability, garrulity, embellishment: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 140. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. diffuseness · noun/dɪˈfjus.nəs/

    the quality of being spread out or not concentrated

    The diffuseness of the light in the room created a soft and inviting atmosphere.

    Synonyms: spreadness, dissipation, dispersion

    Origin: Derived from the Latin 'diffusio', meaning 'spreading out', from 'diffundere', which means 'to spread out' or 'to pour out'.

  2. abstemiousness · noun/əbˈstiːmiəsnəs/

    moderation or self-restraint in the consumption of food and drink

    Her abstemiousness in dining allowed her to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite the temptations of extravagant meals.

    Synonyms: moderation, self-restraint, temperance

    Origin: The word 'abstemiousness' originates from the Latin word 'abstemius', meaning 'sparing in eating and drinking'.

  3. ineluctability · noun/ɪnəˈlʌktəˌbɪləti/

    the quality of being inescapable or inevitable

    The ineluctability of fate often leaves people feeling powerless in the face of their destiny.

    Synonyms: inevitability, unavoidable, certainty

    Origin: Originates from the Latin word 'ineluctabilis', meaning 'that cannot be avoided', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'eluctabilis', meaning 'able to be evaded', from 'eluctari', meaning 'to struggle out'.

  4. garrulity · noun/ɡəˈruːləti/

    excessive talkativeness or verbosity

    Despite his intelligence, his garrulity often bored his friends, as he would ramble on about trivial matters for hours.

    Synonyms: loquacity, verbosity, talkativeness

    Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'garrulus', meaning 'talkative, chatterer', which itself comes from 'garriare', meaning 'to chatter'.

  5. embellishment · noun/ɪmˈbɛlɪʃmənt/

    a decorative detail or feature added to something to enhance its appearance or interest

    The dress was exquisite, adorned with intricate embellishments that caught the light beautifully.

    Synonyms: decoration, adornment, enhancement

    Origin: From the Old French 'embelir', meaning 'to adorn', from 'en-' (to cause) + 'bel' (beautiful).