infuse - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
infuse Word Meanings
- to introduce a quality or element into something
- to steep in a liquid for flavor
- to instill a quality or feeling
infuse Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
infuse Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈfjuːz/
US
/ɪnˈfjuːz/
infuse Word Etymology
in- = into + fuse = pour. Originated from Latin 'infundere' through Old French 'infuser' into English. Imagine pouring hot tea into a cup and the rich flavors slowly mixing, creating a delightful infusion.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Infuse means to introduce a quality or element into something, to steep in a liquid for flavor, or to instill a quality or feeling. It often implies a gradual, permeating effect rather than a sudden change. In cooking, you infuse herbs into oil or tea into hot water, letting flavors mingle. In thinking or culture, you can infuse a project with optimism or a brand with a distinctive identity. The verb can take different objects: infuse energy into a team, infuse flavor into a dish, or infuse a room with calm. The nuance is intentional, transformative, and time-based.
Usage Reminders
- Use infuse with emotions or qualities you can actively place into something.
- Prefer it for gradual, permeating effects rather than sudden changes.
- In cooking, pair with liquids like oil, water, or tea.
- Not every infusion is physical; think ideas, atmospheres, or brand identities.
- Beware of confusing infuse with soak or steep in every context.
Common Misconceptions
- Infuse = soak; they are not always interchangeable.
- Infuse means a physical action only (like soaking tea).
- Infuse cannot describe abstract ideas or feelings.
- Infuse is the same as 'brew' in every context.
- Infuse always implies heat.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often separate infusion as a deliberate, gradual influence (infusing a quality or mood) from more physical acts like soaking; learners may overgeneralize to all soaking contexts or miss the abstract use.
Learning Tips
- Create 3 sentences using infuse in cooking, feelings, and environments.
- Practice with both liquid and abstract objects.
- Notice collocations: infuse with, infused into.
- Record metaphoric uses in notes for recall.
- Compare with similar verbs: steep, soak, inject.
- Use spaced repetition to reinforce nuances.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'infuse'?
A.To exit
B.To penetrate
C.To destroy
D.To delay
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'infuse' used correctly?
A.The teacher tried to infuse knowledge into the students.
B.He decided to infuse the trash.
C.She tried to infuse the situation with more confusion.
D.They infuse the ice cream with salt.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'infuse'?
A.Drain
B.Imbue
C.Empty
D.Extract
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'infuse'?
A.Permeate
B.Evaporate
C.Distribute
D.Withdraw
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might someone 'infuse' something?
A.Cooking by adding flavors to a dish
B.Cleaning by removing dirt
C.Organizing by categorizing items
D.Reading by understanding a text
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