C1verb 2K

Dispose

UK /["/dɪˈspəʊz/","/dɪˈspəʊzɪz/","/dɪˈspəʊzd/","/dɪˈspəʊzɪŋ/"]/ US /["/dɪˈspəʊz/","/dɪˈspəʊzɪz/","/dɪˈspəʊzd/","/dɪˈspəʊzɪŋ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

to arrange things or people in a particular way or position

Listen to definition

In simple words: To get rid of something you no longer want.

Examples

• The visitors disposed themselves in a circle round the statue.
• a drug that disposes the patient towards sleep
• a drug that disposes the patient to sleep

Usage notes

Use 'dispose of' when talking about throwing things away. It's formal, so avoid it in casual conversations unless necessary.

Grammar pattern

dispose + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'this pose' — imagine a person striking a pose with trash to be thrown away.

Collocations

• dispose of waste
• dispose of trash
• properly dispose
• dispose of materials
• safely dispose

Synonyms

• discard
• get rid of
• throw away
• dispose of
• eliminate

Antonyms

• retain
• keep
• hold

Common mistakes

• Confusing 'dispose' with 'expose'
• Using 'dispose' without 'of' when talking about throwing something away
• Incorrectly spelling it as 'despose'