Meaning and Usage
"蔓延" (màn yán) primarily means "to spread" or "to extend" over an area, often used for things that grow or spread uncontrollably, such as plants, diseases, or abstract concepts like rumors.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used in contexts involving the spread of viruses, weeds, rumors, or social phenomena. The word often carries a negative connotation, implying an undesirable or uncontrolled expansion.
Collocations and Patterns
Usage Notes
"蔓延" is often used in formal or written Chinese, especially in news reports or scientific descriptions. It differs from similar verbs like "扩散" (kuòsàn), which also means "to spread," but "蔓延" emphasizes a creeping or creeping-like spreading, often visually like vines growing.
Avoid confusing "蔓延" with "延迟" (delay) despite the shared character "延"; "蔓延" focuses on spatial spreading, not time.