diffusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "diffusion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of spreading something, such as an idea, a product, a technology, or a behavior, over a period of time. For example: "The diffusion of the internet has had a great impact on the way we communicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sodium and chloride ions pass out of the concentrated solution to the neighbouring weak ones by diffusion though these bridges (any chemical will diffuse from a high to a low concentration in this way).

The Economist

Maillot counts himself lucky that he's had 20 years with the Monte Carlo company "working on the education, creation and diffusion of dance".

The Guardian

In a first for the label, the Marc Jacobs diffusion line that originally launched in 2001, Jacobs will take a back seat and the British duo Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley will work as creative director and design director respectively.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hence the UNECE report's suggestion that domestic service robots might now be entering "into a diffusion process similar to that which the PC, the mobile telephone or the internet have had in recent years".

The Economist

Economies, after all, benefit not from the invention of new products or services, but from their diffusion.

The Economist

One company or country can benefit from the development and marketing of a clever invention, while the robust diffusion and adoption of such inventions can also benefit many others.

The Economist

Optimism about diffusion seems all the more plausible because of leapfrogging.

The Economist

Growth does not happen in the lab, it happens in the markets over a long period of time in a slow process of diffusion, improvement, and recombination.

The Economist

Essentially, he accuses Mr Moravcsik of cherry-picking:You can't say that the entire European Union is on the upswing by pointing to a few regions of it that are doing well in certain metrics and implying that a diffusion effect to the rest of the continent...You also can't point to the best bits of the EU and compare it to the U.S. as a whole.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They published their results this week in the Proceedings of the Royal Society.In this section Eye robot The aftershocks of crime Silver threads of life Well spotted Correction: SpaceShipTwo ReprintsThe reaction-diffusion process can be mimicked by a computer, and the program's parameters manipulated to produce patterns matching those of cat coats.

The Economist

However, the development of a technique called diffusion-tensor imaging has changed that.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the adoption of new technologies or ideas, use "diffusion" to highlight the process of spreading and integrating them into a wider context.

Common error

Avoid using "diffusion" when "infusion" is more appropriate. "Diffusion" refers to spreading something out, while "infusion" refers to introducing something into something else. For example, use "diffusion of technology", not "infusion of technology".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "diffusion" is as a noun. It denotes the process by which something spreads or becomes widely dispersed, be it information, technology, or cultural elements. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diffusion" functions as a noun describing the process of something spreading or becoming widely dispersed. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common. Its usage spans across varied contexts, most prominently in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When writing, remember that "diffusion" refers to spreading out, differing from "infusion", which means introducing something into something else. When exploring alternatives, consider "dissemination process" or "spread of information" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dissemination process

Focuses on the act of spreading information widely.

Spread of information

Highlights the expansion of knowledge or data.

Dispersal of knowledge

Emphasizes the scattering of understanding or expertise.

Propagation of ideas

Specifically refers to the spreading of concepts or beliefs.

Transmission of culture

Focuses on how cultural elements are passed on.

Circulation of news

Pertains to the distribution of current events or reports.

Expansion of technology

Emphasizes the growth and reach of technological advancements.

Proliferation of data

Highlights the rapid increase and spread of data.

Broadcasting of information

Emphasizes the wide distribution of knowledge through media.

Adoption of innovation

Focuses on the process of accepting and using new inventions.

FAQs

How is "diffusion" used in scientific contexts?

In science, "diffusion" often refers to the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. It's also used in imaging techniques like "diffusion tensor imaging" (DTI).

What does "diffusion" mean in a business context?

In business, "diffusion" often refers to the spread and adoption of new products, technologies, or practices throughout a market or industry. Understanding this "diffusion process" is crucial for successful market penetration.

How does the concept of "diffusion" apply to culture?

"Diffusion" in a cultural context refers to the spread of cultural elements—such as ideas, styles, religions, technologies, or languages—between individuals, groups, or societies. It can occur through trade, migration, or "cultural exchange".

What are some synonyms for "diffusion"?

Alternatives for "diffusion" include "dissemination", "dispersal", "spread", "propagation", and "transmission". The best choice depends on the specific context.