SparkNotes Shopping Cart  |     |  Checkout
Brought to you by Barnes and Noble
What are you studying?
English History | Math & Science | Other Subjects | Test Prep | College | SparkLife
Literature Shakespeare Drama Poetry Writing Message Boards
Ultimate Style. The Rules of Writing. Real Writers Need Rules.
Common Errors

 
Defuse vs. Diffuse
defuse: to calm (v.)
• Olaf defused the tense situation with soothing words.
diffuse: scattered (adj.); to scatter (v.)
• The diffuse tensions at the family reunion made Olaf very anxious.

 
GO TO : 
Abbreviations Common Errors Formatting Parts of Speech Punctuation Usage
Ultimate Style. The Rules of Writing. Real Writers Need Rules.
Message Boards
Punctuation Problems
Grammar Snobs
SparkCharts
English Composition
English Grammar
Essays & Term Papers
Research Style & Usage: APA/MLA
Reference Tools
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Search Widget
SparkCollege
Find a School
College Admissions
Financial Aid
College Life
 
Help | Feedback | Make a request | Report an error | Send to a friend
 
Read the complete texts of Shakespeare's plays along with an easy to understand translation.
More...
 
101 Literature includes everything you need to know about the 150 most-studied works of literature.
More...
 
 
Common Errors
Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms and Conditions  |  About
©2006 SparkNotes LLC, All Rights Reserved.