WordGarden.iodispense
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪspˈɛns/
US
- /dɪˈspɛns/
Meanings
Verb
to give out or distribute something, often in portions
to prepare and give medicine according to a prescription
to do without or decide not to use something
Beyond the definition
To dispense something means to give it out, usually in measured amounts or according to a specific need. A pharmacist dispenses medicine, a vending machine dispenses snacks, and sometimes, wisdom is dispensed by those who have earned it! It implies a level of authority or control over the distribution. You wouldn't say you dispense gossip—you simply share it. But you would definitely dispense justice in a courtroom.
Think of an old-time pharmacist carefully measuring out medicine—that's dispensing at work. Or consider a teacher dispensing knowledge to students. It's more than just handing something over; it's about providing what is needed, often with care or precision.
The word "dispense" carries the idea of distributing something—whether physical items, advice, or even justice—in a controlled and deliberate manner. Historically, the word is linked to the idea of weighing out portions or granting exemptions from rules (a "dispensation"). This is why it often implies authority or a specific role that allows you to distribute something. For example: "The pharmacist dispensed the medication with clear instructions" or "The judge dispensed a fair sentence."
While a vending machine dispenses drinks mechanically, the word usually suggests a more purposeful action. A school principal, for instance, might dispense detentions as a form of discipline.
It can also be used in the phrasal verb "dispense with," which means to get rid of something or manage without it because it is unnecessary. "Let's dispense with the small talk and get down to business" means let's skip the casual conversation and focus on what matters. Similarly, a company might decide to dispense with outdated policies to improve efficiency.
Figuratively, it refers to providing something intangible: "She dispensed helpful tips for gardening to all her neighbors." Whether you are talking about medicine, justice, knowledge, or skipping unnecessary formalities, to dispense is to distribute, provide, or move past something in a controlled and purposeful way.
Examples
- 1
Pharmacy
The pharmacist dispensed the medicine and explained how to take it.
- 2
Machine
This machine dispenses coffee, tea, and soup.
- 3
Charity
The charity dispenses free meals to local families every evening.
- 4
Unwanted advice
He is always dispensing advice, even when nobody asks for it.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Meeting shortcut
Let's dispense with the introductions and get straight to the main issue.
- Phrasedispense with
decide not to use or include something
See also
Similar
- distribute
- provide
- give out
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- dispense medication
- dispense advice
- dispense justice
- dispense cash
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- dispenseverb
Forms
- dispensing-ing formverb
- dispensedpast tenseverb
- dispensesverb