Diffuse

Meaning

Spread out over a wide area or among many people, lacking concentration or focus

Origin / Etymology

Latin diffundere, 'to pour out, spread'

Synonyms

Dispersed Scattered Unfocused

Antonyms

Concentrated Focused

Example Sentence

"Analysis of India's urban regulation noted that the cost of violating a footpath standard is diffuse and low, while the cost of compliance is concentrated on a single contractor."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Apply in governance answers to explain why diffuse costs are politically easier to impose than concentrated ones, a recurring theme in regulatory-capture and enforcement-failure analysis.

Relevant Subjects

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