dis·trib·ute (d -strb y t)v. dis·trib·ut·ed, dis·trib·ut·ing, dis·trib·utes v.tr. 1. To divide and dispense in portions. 2. a. To supply (goods) to retailers. b. To deliver or pass out: distributing handbills on the street. 3. a. To spread or diffuse over an area; scatter: distribute grass seed over the lawn. b. To apportion so as to be evenly spread throughout a given area: 180 pounds of muscle that were well distributed over his 6-foot frame. 4. To separate into categories; classify. 5. Logic To use (a term) so as to include all individuals or entities of a given class. v.intr. Mathematics To be distributive. [Middle English distributen, from Latin distribuere, distrib  t- : dis-, apart; see dis- + tribuere, to give; see tribute.]Synonyms: distribute, divide, dispense, dole1, deal1, ration These verbs mean to give out in portions or shares. Distribute is the least specific: The government distributed land to settlers. Divide implies giving out portions, often equal, on the basis of a plan or purpose: The estate will be divided among the heirs. Dispense stresses the careful determination of portions, often according to measurement or weight: The pharmacist dispensed the medication. Dole, often followed by out, implies careful, usually sparing measurement of portions. It can refer to the distribution of charity: The city doled out surplus milk to the needy. It can also suggest lack of generosity: The professor doled out meager praise to the students. Deal implies orderly, equitable distribution, often piece by piece: I dealt five cards to each player. Ration refers to equitable division in limited portions of scarce, often necessary, items: The government rationed fuel during the war. |
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