Reading Theme:
Distribution: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：allocating resources (distribution)
distribution
/ˌdɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/
n.
the process of giving or sending things out to different people or places.
allocating resources
➕
/ˈæl.ə.keɪtɪŋ rɪˈsɔːrsɪz/
n.
This refers to the organized process of delivering goods or services to various recipients or locations.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'distribuere', meaning 'to deal out'. Dis- (apart) + tribuere (to allot).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'dis-tribute' as dividing a tribute; distributing means giving out shares.
📖 Example
The company's efficient distribution system ensures that fresh vegetables reach stores across the country within 24 hours.
The firm's effective distribution network guarantees that fresh produce is delivered to stores nationwide within a day.
🔗 Collocations
distribution center – a facility where goods are sorted and dispatched
distribution network – the interconnected system for delivering products
even distribution – uniform spread across an area
🔄 Synonyms
allocation (n.) – the process of distributing resources or assignments
dispersion (n.) – the act of spreading things over a wide area
dissemination (n.) – the widespread distribution of information or items
🚫 Antonyms
collection (n.) – the act of gathering things together
accumulation (n.) – the gradual buildup of something
🌱 Derivatives
distribute (v.) – to give out or deliver something to multiple recipients
distributive (adj.) – relating to the distribution of goods or resources
distributor (n.) – an entity that supplies goods to retailers
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'distribution' originates from Latin 'distributio', derived from 'distribuere' (to divide, allocate). It is key in logistics and statistics for describing resource allocation or data spread.
Meaning 2：geographic spread (distribution)
distribution
/ˌdɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/
n.
the way something is spread over an area; where it is and isn't found.
geographic spread
➕
/dʒiːəˈɡræfɪk spred/
n.
This describes the pattern or arrangement of something across a geographical area.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The map shows the global distribution of this rare bird species, with most populations found in Southeast Asia.
The map illustrates the worldwide spread of a rare bird species, predominantly located in Southeast Asia.
🔗 Collocations
global distribution – the worldwide spread of something
uneven distribution – irregular spread with varying densities
distribution map – a visual chart showing spatial locations
🔄 Synonyms
dispersion (n.) – the pattern of spread over an area
scatter (n.) – the loose distribution of items
spread (n.) – the extent of area covered by something
🚫 Antonyms
concentration (n.) – a dense gathering in one area
clustering (n.) – the formation of tight groups
🌱 Derivatives
distribute (v.) – to spread or scatter over an area
distributive (adj.) – pertaining to distribution in space
distributional (adj.) – relating to the pattern of distribution
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