B2verb2K

Distribute

UK /["/dɪˈstrɪbjuːt//ˈdɪstrɪbjuːt/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːts//ˈdɪstrɪbjuːts/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːtɪd//ˈdɪstrɪbjuːtɪd/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːtɪŋ//ˈdɪstrɪbjuːtɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːts/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːtɪd/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give things to a large number of people; to share something between a number of people or groups

In simple words: To give things out to many people.

Examples

  • The teacher decided to distribute the books to the students.
  • They need to distribute the workload evenly among team members.
  • Please distribute the flyers in the neighborhood this weekend.
  • The charity aims to distribute food to those in need.
  • When planting seeds, it's important to distribute them evenly in the soil.

Usage notes

Use 'distribute' when you're giving out items, like food or information. It's appropriate in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid it in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'give out' can be used.

Grammar pattern

distribute + object + to + indirect object

Memory hint

Think of 'distribute' like 'dishing out' food at a buffet.

Collocations

  • equally
  • fairly
  • unequally
  • among
  • between
  • to
  • internationally
  • nationally
  • exclusively
  • evenly
  • uniformly
  • unevenly
  • across
  • among
  • between

Synonyms

  • give out
  • dispense
  • allocate
  • share
  • supply

Antonyms

  • collect
  • withhold

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'distribute' vs 'contribute'.
  • Using 'distribute' without an object.
  • Saying 'distribute to everyone' instead of 'distribute to them'.