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distribute

[ dih-strib-yoot ]
/ dɪˈstrɪb yut /
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See synonyms for: distribute / distributed / distributes / distributing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), dis·trib·ut·ed, dis·trib·ut·ing.
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Origin of distribute

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin distribūtus, past participle of distribuere “to divide up”; see dis-1, tribute

synonym study for distribute

1. Distribute, dispense apply to giving out something. Distribute implies apportioned, individualized giving, especially of something that is definite or limited in amount or number: The prizes were distributed among ten winners. Dispense formerly implied indiscriminate, general, and liberal giving, especially of something that was more or less indefinite or unmeasured in amount: to dispense largess. It now applies chiefly to giving according to need or deserts, from an organized and official source: to dispense medicines and food to the victims.

OTHER WORDS FROM distribute

dis·trib·ut·a·ble, adjectivepre·dis·trib·ute, verb (used with object), pre·dis·trib·ut·ed, pre·dis·trib·ut·ing.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use distribute in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for distribute

distribute
/ (dɪˈstrɪbjuːt) /

verb (tr)

Derived forms of distribute

distributable, adjective

Word Origin for distribute

C15: from Latin distribuere from dis- 1 + tribuere to give
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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