suffused

Suffused is an adjective and the past participle of the verb suffuse. It describes something that is gradually spread through or over something else, producing a uniform or gentle presence. The most common use describes light, color, or warmth that fills a space or object, as in “the room was suffused with soft light” or “a face suffused with color.” It can also refer to smells or atmospheres that spread through an area.

Etymology and sense: The word comes from Latin suffusus, the past participle of suffundere, meaning to pour upon or overflow. In figurative use, suffuse conveys a sense of gradual penetration or filling that alters the character of what is described.

Usage and nuance: In prose, suffuse often conveys a soft, enveloping quality rather than a sharp edge. It is frequently paired with light, color, or emotion. While liquids or vapors can be described as suffusing a space, in technical writing contexts terms like diffuse or permeate may be preferred. The preference in literary or descriptive language is for a gentle, all-encompassing presence.

Distinctions: Suffuse emphasizes a gradual, pervasive filling that can alter mood, tone, or appearance. It can imply beauty or warmth as much as intensity, depending on context. Synonyms include permeate, saturate, and diffuse, though each carries a slightly different emphasis.

See also: suffusion, suffusing, diffuse.