dispense

Pronunciation: verb. Synonyms: dole out, apportion, disburse

verb

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of dispense

To distribute or provide something, especially a service or resource, to a number of people; to administer or manage without necessity for certain formalities.

Origin of dispense

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: dispensare

Original meaning: to manage, distribute, or weigh out

How it evolved: The term evolved from the idea of carefully measuring and distributing resources to a broader sense of providing or administering.

Derived from Latin, the word originally carried the sense of 'to weigh out' or 'to administer.'

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember dispense

Think of 'dis' (apart) and 'pense' (like 'pension'), so to dispense is to 'give out or distribute something apart to others,' like a pension being handed out.

Synonyms for dispense

Antonyms of dispense

dispense in a Sentence

  1. The pharmacist was authorized to dispense medication only to those with valid prescriptions.
  2. The professor skillfully dispensed her knowledge to the eager students, ensuring everyone understood the complex concepts.
  3. He was known for dispensing justice with fairness and impartiality, earning respect even from his adversaries.

dispense in Literature & Culture

The term 'dispense' is often used in philosophical discussions of justice, as seen in works like Plato's 'Republic,' and is also common in legal and medical texts, reflecting its enduring relevance.

Usage Notes

While 'dispense' often refers to the distribution of tangible items like medicine, it can also apply to abstract concepts such as advice or justice. Be cautious not to confuse it with 'dispense with,' which means to do without something.

Why dispense Matters for GRE & SAT

Understanding 'dispense' is crucial for GRE test-takers as it frequently appears in passages discussing the allocation of resources, justice, or services, often requiring nuanced comprehension of its usage.

Word Family

dispensable (adjective)
Able to be replaced or done without; non-essential.
dispensation (noun)
Exemption from a rule or usual requirement; the act of distributing something.
dispenser (noun)
A device or person that dispenses something, especially a machine or container.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'dispense' is frequently used in legal and medical contexts, underscoring its importance in professional and academic settings.
  • In medieval times, 'dispensation' referred to exemptions granted by the Pope, linking the term to authority and privilege.
  • The concept of dispensing justice has been a recurring theme in literature, symbolizing fairness and moral obligation.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with D

  • daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
  • daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
  • dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
  • dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
  • dearth — A scarcity or lack of something
  • dearth — lack of something in a particular area
  • dearth — lack of something in a particular area
  • debate — A formal discussion on a particular topic
  • debate — A formal discussion on a particular topic
  • debilitate — To make someone weak and infirm