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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Dispense: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：distribute (dispense)

dispense 🔊

/dɪˈspens/

vt.

To give out or distribute something, especially in a careful or official way.

Dispense meaning illustrated by a pharmacy robot dispensing medication precisely.

distribute 🔊

➕

/dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/

vt.

To give out or provide something, often in a systematic, measured, or official manner.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'dis-' (apart) + 'pensare' (to weigh or pay).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a DISpenser that sends things apart (DIS) like a PEN into a ballpoint (PENSE). It hands things out.

📖 Example

The new vending machine can dispense both hot coffee and cold snacks with a simple touch. 🔊 The new vending machine can distribute both hot coffee and cold snacks with a simple touch.

🔗 Collocations

dispense justice – to administer the law and give out punishments or verdicts

dispense medication – to prepare and give out prescribed drugs

automatic dispenser – a machine that gives out items automatically

🔄 Synonyms

distribute (vt.) – To give shares of something to a number of people.

allocate (vt.) – To distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose.

administer (vt.) – To manage and be responsible for the implementation of something, like a system or law.

🚫 Antonyms

collect (vt.) – To bring or gather things together.

withhold (vt.) – To refuse to give something that is due or desired.

🌱 Derivatives

dispenser (n.) – A person or machine that distributes something.

dispensation (n.) – The act of distributing or supplying; a special exemption from a rule.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'dispensare', meaning 'to weigh out' or 'distribute'. Historically linked to the careful measuring and distribution of provisions or medicines, which evolved into its modern administrative and official distribution sense.

Meaning 2：make unnecessary (dispense)

dispense 🔊

/dɪˈspens/

vt.

To make something unnecessary or to free someone from having to do something.

Dispense with meaning shown in a business meeting skipping formal agendas.

make unnecessary 🔊

➕

/meɪk ˌʌnˈnesəsəri/

vt.

To do without something or someone; to render something superfluous or not required.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

With our new paperless office system, we can dispense with printing most documents altogether. 🔊 With our new paperless office system, we can make printing most documents altogether unnecessary.

🔗 Collocations

dispense with formalities – to skip the usual polite or official procedures

dispense with the need for – to eliminate the requirement for something

dispense with someone's services – to stop employing or using the help of someone

🔄 Synonyms

omit (vt.) – To leave out or exclude.

forgo (vt.) – To decide not to have or do something you want.

eliminate (vt.) – To completely remove or get rid of something.

🚫 Antonyms

require (vt.) – To need something or make it necessary.

retain (vt.) – To continue to have or use; to keep.