Dispense vs. Disperse — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
Difference Between Dispense and Disperse
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dispense typically implies giving out something in measured amounts or specific portions. It often has a controlled or deliberate sense to it. On the other hand, disperse implies spreading out over a large area, often without precision or a specified pattern.
In medical contexts, one might dispense medication, meaning they distribute it in specific doses. In contrast, if a gas were to disperse in a room, it would spread out in all directions, diffusing throughout the space.
Dispense can also mean to do without something or to exempt from a rule. For instance, one might "dispense with formalities." Disperse doesn't have this secondary meaning and stays closer to its primary sense of spreading or scattering.
When objects or individuals dispense items, there's often a sense of purpose or order, like a machine dispensing tickets. In comparison, when things disperse, there's a more chaotic or natural feel, like a crowd dispersing after a concert.
While both dispense and disperse indicate a distribution, the manner, intent, and pattern in which this distribution occurs differentiates the two words. Their usages in various contexts help in understanding these distinctions better.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
To distribute or administer
To scatter or spread widely
Secondary Meaning
To do without something
N/A
Contextual Usage
Often in controlled, measured amounts
Typically without precision or specific pattern
Examples
Medications, tickets, advice
Crowd, smoke, light, particles
Implied Sense
Deliberate, purposeful, orderly
Chaotic, natural, uncontrolled
Compare with Definitions
Dispense
To manage without; to forgo.
We decided to dispense with the formalities.
Disperse
To spread or scatter in different directions.
The protesters began to disperse once the police arrived.
Dispense
To prepare and give out, especially medicines.
The pharmacist dispensed the prescription efficiently.
Disperse
To break up and drive off.
The crowd was dispersed by the authorities.
Dispense
To exempt from a rule.
The coach dispensed him from the practice due to injury.
Disperse
To distribute over a wide area.
The wind helped disperse the seeds across the field.
Dispense
To distribute in specific amounts.
The machine will dispense the correct amount of water.
Disperse
To dissipate or vanish.
The fog will disperse by mid-morning.
Dispense
To give or deal out, especially in parts or portions
A machine that dispenses candy.
A neighbor who freely dispenses advice.
Disperse
To spread or distribute from a fixed or constant source.
The fan helped disperse the heat evenly in the room.
Dispense
To prepare and give out (medicines).
Disperse
Disperse was a Christian rock band from Southern Indiana active from 1996 to 2004.
Dispense
To administer (laws, for example).
Disperse
To drive off or scatter in different directions
The police dispersed the crowd.
Dispense
To exempt or release, as from a duty or religious obligation.
Disperse
To strew or distribute widely
The airplane dispersed the leaflets over the city.
Dispense
To grant a dispensation or exemption.
Disperse
To cause to attenuate and disappear
The sun dispersed the fog.
Dispense
To issue, distribute, or give out.
Disperse
To separate (light) into spectral rays.
Dispense
To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct.
To dispense justice
Disperse
To distribute (particles) evenly throughout a medium.
Dispense
To supply or make up a medicine or prescription.
The pharmacist dispensed my tablets.
An optician can dispense spectacles.
Disperse
To separate and move in different directions; scatter
The crowd dispersed once the concert ended.
Dispense
(obsolete) To give a dispensation to (someone); to excuse.
Disperse
To attenuate and vanish; dissipate
The storm clouds had dispersed by noon.
Dispense
To compensate; to make up; to make amends.
Disperse
To scatter in different directions.
The Jews are dispersed among all nations.
Dispense
(obsolete) Cost, expenditure.
Disperse
To break up and disappear; to dissipate.
Dispense
(obsolete) The act of dispensing, dispensation.
Disperse
To disseminate.
Dispense
To deal out in portions; to distribute; to give; as, the steward dispenses provisions according directions; Nature dispenses her bounties; to dispense medicines.
He is delighted to dispense a share of it to all the company.
Disperse
To separate rays of light, etc., according to wavelength; to refract.
Dispense
To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct.
While you dispense the laws, and guide the state.
Disperse
To distribute throughout.
Dispense
To pay for; to atone for.
His sin was dispensedWith gold, whereof it was compensed.
Disperse
Scattered or spread out.
Dispense
To exempt; to excuse; to absolve; - with from.
It was resolved that all members of the House who held commissions, should be dispensed from parliamentary attendance.
He appeared to think himself born to be supported by others, and dispensed from all necessity of providing for himself.
Disperse
To scatter abroad; to drive to different parts; to distribute; to diffuse; to spread; as, the Jews are dispersed among all nations.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge.
Two lions, in the still, dark night,A herd of beeves disperse.
Dispense
To compensate; to make up; to make amends.
One loving hourFor many years of sorrow can dispense.
Disperse
To scatter, so as to cause to vanish; to dissipate; as, to disperse vapors.
Dispersed are the glories.
Dispense
To give dispensation.
He [the pope] can also dispense in all matters of ecclesiastical law.
Disperse
To separate; to go or move into different parts; to vanish; as, the company dispersed at ten o'clock; the clouds disperse.
Dispense
Dispensation; exemption.
Disperse
To distribute wealth; to share one's abundance with others.
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor.
Dispense
Expense; profusion; outlay.
It was a vault built for great dispense.
Disperse
Distribute loosely;
He scattered gun powder under the wagon
Dispense
Administer or bestow, as in small portions;
Administer critical remarks to everyone present
Dole out some money
Shell out pocket money for the children
Deal a blow to someone
Disperse
To cause to separate and go in different directions;
She waved her hand and scattered the crowds
Dispense
Grant a dispensation; grant an exemption;
I was dispensed from this terrible task
Disperse
Move away from each other;
The crowds dispersed
The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached
Dispense
Give or apply (medications)
Disperse
Cause to separate;
Break up kidney stones
Disperse particles
Dispense
To give out or distribute.
The teacher will dispense the exam papers shortly.
Disperse
Cause to become widely known;
Spread information
Circulate a rumor
Broadcast the news
Common Curiosities
When do I use "dispense with"?
"Dispense with" means to do without something or skip a usual practice.
Are dispense and disperse synonyms?
While both indicate distribution, dispense is more controlled, and disperse implies scattering widely.
Is it correct to say "dispense wisdom"?
Yes, "dispense wisdom" means to give out advice or knowledge.
How is "disperse" used in science?
In science, "disperse" can refer to particles spreading out in a solution or medium.
Can I use "dispense" for intangible things?
Yes, you can dispense advice, justice, etc., meaning to give out or administer.
Is "disperse" only for physical objects?
No, "disperse" can be used for intangible things too, like dispersing information.
Does "dispense" always imply physical distribution?
No, dispense can be used for both tangible items, like medicine, and intangible ones, like advice.
Can I say "dispense the crowd"?
Typically, you'd say "disperse the crowd," meaning to scatter or break up the group.
Can I say "dispense money"?
Yes, it would mean to give out or distribute money, like an ATM dispensing cash.
Can you dispense a punishment?
Yes, to dispense punishment means to administer or mete it out.
Can "disperse" imply a natural process?
Yes, things like smoke or mist can disperse naturally over time.
What does it mean for light to disperse?
When light disperses, it breaks up into its constituent colors, like in a rainbow.
Is "dispense" always about exact amounts?
Often, but not always. Dispense can mean distributing in portions, but context matters.
How does a crowd disperse?
A crowd disperses when it breaks up and spreads out, usually in different directions.
What's the opposite of "disperse"?
The opposite of disperse could be "gather" or "assemble."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
