Diffuse the tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Diffuse the tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to suggest reducing or alleviating stress or conflict in a situation. Example: "During the meeting, the manager tried to diffuse the tension between the team members by encouraging open communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

When the Cubs won, Maddon was credited with helping to diffuse the tension in his clubhouse.

The New Yorker

As the couple left, my husband tried to say something nice to diffuse the tension.

The New York Times

Finally, talk to your friend about the situation and diffuse the tension as best you can.

Harvard Business Review

But now Iran has accepted America's offer to help diffuse the tension between itself and Afghanistan's Taliban militia.

The Economist

It was not clear whether the prisoners' release would diffuse the tension in the capital, which was jolted on Wednesday night when protesters tried to break into a detention center to free the three.

The New York Times

"Now is not the time to use sarcasm, even if you think it will diffuse the tension," says Kerr. "Using sarcasm will, once again, make you come across as disinterested.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

AIPAC, the largest pro-Israel organization in the U.S., immediately called on the Obama administration to "diffuse the tensions" with Israel, branding statements by the White House "a matter of serious concern".

Huffington Post

When some community members sought to boycott local delis that were owned by Arabs and Muslims, community leaders were able to diffuse the tensions by creating supportive space for diverse community members to talk honestly and cope with their raw emotions after 9/11.

Huffington Post

Michael Lynch, 31, was a firefighter with Ladder Company 32 in the Bronx, and diffused the tension there too.

The New York Times

His new goat friend diffused the tension, however, "by simply walking through the middle of the group and starting to wander".

The New Yorker

As they woo and fight, Elyot and Amanda career around the huge space, which keeps them at a distance from each other and diffuses the tension.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing interpersonal conflict, use open communication and empathy to "diffuse the tension". Addressing concerns directly can lead to quicker resolutions.

Common error

Avoid using sarcasm as a primary method to "diffuse the tension". While it might seem like a harmless joke, it can often escalate conflict by undermining the other person's feelings or concerns.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "diffuse the tension" is as a verb phrase. It typically acts as a directive or description of an action aimed at reducing stress or conflict. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Diffuse the tension" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that suggests reducing stress or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Primarily found in news and media, formal business settings, and wiki articles, the phrase serves to encourage resolution and promote harmony. Effective strategies to achieve this include open communication, empathy, and finding common ground. It's important to avoid sarcasm, which may escalate conflict instead of resolving it. Closely related phrases include ""alleviate the stress"" and ""ease the strain"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Defuse the situation

Very similar, but often applies to immediate or explosive situations.

Alleviate the stress

Focuses more on reducing stress levels rather than directly addressing the tension itself.

Ease the strain

Highlights the reduction of pressure or burden causing the tension.

Relieve the pressure

Focuses on easing the burden or stress causing the tension.

Reduce the friction

Emphasizes minimizing conflict or disagreement that creates tension.

Mitigate the conflict

Focuses on lessening the severity of an existing conflict.

Calm the situation

Suggests bringing peace and tranquility to a tense environment.

Settle the discord

Indicates resolving disagreement and disharmony.

Soften the atmosphere

Suggests making the overall environment less rigid or strained.

Pacify the mood

Implies calming down emotions and creating a more peaceful atmosphere.

FAQs

How can I "diffuse the tension" in a negotiation?

You can "diffuse the tension" in a negotiation by finding common ground, actively listening to the other party's concerns, and suggesting mutually beneficial solutions. Try to "calm the situation" and create a collaborative atmosphere.

Is "diffuse the tension" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "diffuse the tension" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe reducing stress or conflict. Alternative phrases like "alleviate the stress" or "ease the strain" can also be used depending on the context.

What are some non-verbal ways to "diffuse the tension"?

Non-verbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact, using a calm and steady tone, and adopting open body language, can help "diffuse the tension". Creating a comfortable physical space can also contribute.

What's the difference between "defuse the tension" and "diffuse the tension"?

While both "defuse the tension" and "diffuse the tension" are used to mean reduce tension, "defuse" often implies handling a potentially explosive situation to prevent it from escalating. "Diffuse" is generally used in a broader context to mean spread out and lessen the impact of tension without necessarily implying imminent danger.