Which statement best defines diffuse in its general sense?

• A. Pour out and cause to spread freely, as a fluid
• B. Spread or scatter over a wide area widely or thinly; disseminate; dispersed; not concentrated in one area
• C. Spread among a large group of people
• D. Cause light to spread evenly to reduce glare

Answer: (B)

Diffuse in its general sense means to spread out or scatter widely, not stay concentrated in one place. This captures the idea of something being distributed over a wide area or disseminated, rather than remaining in a single spot. For example, light can become diffuse to soften shadows, and information or substances can be diffused or disseminated across many places or people. The phrasing that describes spreading over a wide area, widely or thinly, and not concentrated in one area best fits this broad meaning. The other options describe more specific uses—pouring a fluid, spreading among a particular group, or making light spread evenly to reduce glare—which are narrower applications of diffusion.