infuse
C1Formal, Semi-Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To fill something with a particular quality, emotion, or substance; to steep something in liquid to extract its flavour or properties.
To gradually introduce an influence, principle, or element into something, resulting in a transformation or enrichment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deep, permeating introduction, not superficial addition. Often used with abstract qualities (energy, confidence) or concrete substances (herbs in water). Can mean to inspire or instill.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference. British English slightly more likely to use 'infuse with' for abstract qualities (infuse with enthusiasm). American English may use 'infuse into' interchangeably.
Connotations
In culinary contexts, 'infuse' is standard in both. In business/management contexts (e.g., 'infuse capital'), it's equally common and formal.
Frequency
Broadly similar frequency. Slightly higher in UK cooking shows/literature regarding tea/herbs.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] infuses [Object] with [Quality][Subject] infuses [Quality] into [Object][Object] is infused with [Quality] (passive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Infuse new blood (into something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To inject capital or new ideas into a project or company. 'The venture will infuse $2 million into the startup.'
Academic
To introduce a theoretical perspective or method. 'The study is infused with post-colonial critique.'
Everyday
Primarily culinary or describing moods. 'Let the tea infuse for three minutes.' 'She infused the party with her cheerful energy.'
Technical
In chemistry/medicine: to introduce a substance into a solution or directly into the bloodstream via IV.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- One must infuse the gin with botanicals for a proper flavour.
- The manager hoped to infuse the team with a renewed sense of purpose.
American English
- The investor agreed to infuse cash into the struggling firm.
- Her leadership infused confidence into the entire department.
adverb
British English
- The herbs were infusion-steeped for maximum potency. (Note: 'infusion' as noun adjunct)
- N/A (No standard adverb form)
American English
- The garlic-infused oil was delicious. (Note: past participle as adjective)
- N/A (No standard adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The resulting infusion is a fragrant herbal tea.
- An orange-infused olive oil dressed the salad.
American English
- The spice-infused simple syrup is key to the cocktail.
- He admired her passion-infused speaking style.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please infuse the tea bag in hot water.
- The sun infuses the room with light.
- The coach tried to infuse the players with confidence before the match.
- You can infuse oil with chilli peppers.
- The novel is infused with a deep sense of melancholy.
- The government plans to infuse funds into the healthcare system.
- His teaching is infused with insights from cognitive linguistics.
- The company sought to infuse an innovative ethos into its corporate culture.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tea bag in hot water: the water is being INFUSED with the tea's flavour and colour.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIQUID SATURATING A MATERIAL (qualities are liquids that can soak into things).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'внедрять' (implement, embed) в технологическом контексте.
- Не является прямым синонимом 'вливать' в физическом смысле (to pour).
- В значении 'воодушевить' — более поэтично, чем 'inspire'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'infuse' for simple mixing ('I infused the milk into my coffee' - incorrect).
- Confusing 'infuse with' and 'infuse into' (both correct, but 'with' follows object, 'into' follows quality).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'to infuse capital' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both mean to introduce a quality. 'Infuse' suggests a pervasive, filling action (like liquid), often into an atmosphere or object. 'Instil' suggests a gradual, patient introduction, often of attitudes or principles into a person.
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'The ceremony was infused with tradition,' or 'The solution was infused with the compound.'
No. While its literal origin involves steeping in liquid, its dominant modern use is metaphorical, applying to abstract qualities like energy, hope, or ideas.
The primary noun is 'infusion'. It can refer to the liquid product (e.g., a herbal infusion), the process, or the metaphorical act (e.g., an infusion of cash).