Infuse
Verb
Definition: To introduce a quality or emotion into something.
Definition: To steep or soak (tea, herbs, etc.) in a liquid to extract flavor or medical properties.
Synonyms: Instill, Imbue, Permeate
Antonyms: Drain, Remove
Examples:
- The coach tried to infuse confidence in his players before the big game.
- Let the tea infuse for 5 minutes before drinking.
Mnemonics:
- Think of infusing tea with flavor by steeping it in hot water.
- "Infuse" sounds like "in fuse," where "in" represents the process of adding or introducing something.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English (in the sense 'pour in, introduce an agent or influence'), from Latin 'infus-,' the stem of 'infundere' ('to pour into or upon')
Historical Usage:The word has been used since the Middle English period with similar meanings related to pouring or introducing.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Infuse new life into"
Explanation:To bring excitement, energy, or freshness to something.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing 'infuse' with 'diffuse.'
Explanation:While 'infuse' means to introduce or steep, 'diffuse' means to spread or disperse.