WordGarden.iodispensation
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪspɪnsˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌdɪspənˈseɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
an official exemption from a rule or usual requirement
a social or political system or order
the act of giving out or supplying something
More meaningsFewer meanings
in Christian theology, a divinely ordered period or arrangement
Beyond the definition
A dispensation is an exception to a rule or a special permission granted to someone. Think of it like getting a hall pass in school—you're given dispensation from the usual classroom rules for a specific reason. It can also refer to the act of distributing something, like resources or blessings. A religious order might speak of "God's dispensation," meaning His plan or providence for the world.
Historically, dispensations were often granted by high authorities—such as a pope granting an exemption from church law or a king distributing land and titles. Today, you might receive a dispensation from certain building regulations if your project meets specific criteria, or a school might grant a medical dispensation (based on a doctor's note) allowing a student to avoid certain physical activities. The word suggests something being given formally, often with specific conditions attached.
The word "dispensation" carries a fascinating weight of history and meaning. At its core, it refers to the act of distributing or providing something—whether that is resources, privileges, or even divine grace. However, in modern usage, dispensation most commonly refers to an exception to a rule or regulation; a special permission granted to bypass standard procedures.
Imagine a strict school policy regarding headwear. If a student undergoing medical treatment receives a note from a doctor allowing them to wear a hat in class, that's a dispensation. It does not change the rule for the entire student body; rather, it makes a specific allowance for that particular individual based on their circumstances.
The word originates from the Latin dispensare, meaning "to weigh out or distribute." This root explains its historical religious usage, referring to God's plan for humanity or the distribution of His blessings. You might encounter the term in theological texts where different dispensations represent various periods in history, each governed by specific divine covenants and laws.
Furthermore, "dispensation" can describe the simple act of handing something out. A charitable organization, for example, might manage the dispensation of food and aid to those in need. Whether it is an exemption from a rule, a distribution of resources, or a theological concept relating to divine providence, dispensation always implies the granting of something that is not universally available, typically involving a sense of authority or special circumstance.
Examples
- 1
Attendance rule
She received a dispensation from the attendance rule after her surgery.
- 2
Official exception
The couple applied for a special dispensation to marry in a small chapel abroad.
- Phrasespecial dispensation
official permission for an exception
- 3
Political system
Since the election, the country has been adjusting to a new political dispensation.
- Phrasea new political dispensation
a new system or order
- 4
Previous system
Under the old dispensation, trade unions had very little power.
- Phraseunder the old dispensation
under the previous system or set of rules
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- special dispensation
- grant a dispensation
- seek a dispensation
- dispensation from a rule
Word family
Explore
- rule enforcement
- administrative discretion
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- dispensationnoun
Forms
- dispensationspluralnoun