Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/

Definitions

• Verb: To divide something among several people or groups.
• Verb: To supply goods or services to various locations or to various people.
• Verb: To spread or scatter something over a wide area.

Usage Examples

• "The company will distribute free samples to promote their new product."
• "He was asked to distribute the documents to all department heads."
• "The charity aims to distribute food to the homeless every month."

Etymology

The word "distribute" comes from the Latin word "distribuere," meaning "to divide or allocate." It is composed of the prefix "dis-" meaning "apart" and "tribuere," meaning "to assign." The term was first used in English in the 15th century to refer to the action of dividing or sharing something among others.

Synonyms

• Allocate
• Disperse
• Parcel out
• Share
• Apportion

Antonyms

• Concentrate
• Gather
• Accumulate
• Collect

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation may vary depending on regional accents, especially in English-speaking countries. For instance, some regions may pronounce the "i" sound in "distribute" more like an "ee," while others may pronounce it closer to a short "i" sound.

Historical Usage

The verb "distribute" has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, primarily in the context of dividing goods or resources. It was later adopted into various other contexts, including economics, social policies, and even technology (such as distributing software). It has become a fundamental term in fields like logistics, resource management, and commerce.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of distribution is associated with fairness and equity. For example, in the context of humanitarian aid, "distribute" can carry strong cultural significance, as it often involves the equitable sharing of resources in times of need, such as during natural disasters or famine.

More Information

Distribute is a versatile verb that can apply to both physical goods and abstract concepts. In economics, "distribute" refers to the allocation of resources among individuals or groups. In computer science, "distribute" is used in the context of software distribution or the sharing of computational tasks across multiple machines. The word is also prevalent in sectors such as retail, charity work, and government programs.