Dispense vs. Disperse: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on February 19, 2024
"Dispense" means to distribute or give out something, while "disperse" means to scatter or spread widely.
Difference Between Dispense and Disperse
"Dispense" and "disperse" are both verbs associated with the distribution of something, but their usages vary based on context and meaning. When one talks about "dispensing," it often pertains to distributing items, especially in measured amounts. For example, a pharmacist dispenses medication, ensuring that the patient receives the correct dosage. This act is orderly and controlled, focusing on the provision of something specific.
Muazma Batool
Feb 06, 2024
In contrast, "disperse" denotes the act of scattering or spreading things over a wide area. The process might not always be organized and can imply a movement from concentration to distribution. When a crowd disperses, it means the individuals scatter in different directions. Similarly, when light disperses, it breaks up into its various colors, as seen in a rainbow.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 06, 2024
"Dispense" can also carry a more metaphorical meaning. It can pertain to exempting oneself from a duty or obligation. For instance, one might "dispense with formalities." Here, the term suggests doing away with or releasing oneself from something.
Muazma Batool
Feb 06, 2024
"Disperse" in its metaphorical contexts, often leans towards dissipating intangible things. For example, "dispersing doubts" means clearing away uncertainties or misconceptions. The emphasis is on distributing or spreading out, rather than concentrating or consolidating.
Nolan
Feb 06, 2024
Summing up, while "dispense" focuses on the distribution, especially in specific measures, "disperse" leans more towards scattering or spreading things out. Both can be used literally or metaphorically, but their nuances make them distinct in various contexts.
Levi
Feb 06, 2024
Dispense vs. Disperse Comparison Chart
Contextual Usage
Often related to measured distribution.
Implies spreading from concentration.
Muazma Batool
Feb 06, 2024
Metaphorical Usage
Can imply exemption from a duty.
Often denotes dissipating intangibles.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 06, 2024
Dispense vs. Disperse Definitions
◉Dispense
Administer justice or a right.
The court dispenses justice impartially.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 15, 2023
◉Dispense
To give or deal out, especially in parts or portions
a machine that dispenses candy.
a neighbor who freely dispenses advice.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
Dissolve and spread throughout a liquid.
The dye dispersed evenly in water.
Kaitlyn
Sep 15, 2023
◉Disperse
Go or cause to go in different directions.
The team dispersed after the meeting.
Jonathan
Sep 15, 2023
◉Disperse
To drive off or scatter in different directions
The police dispersed the crowd.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
To strew or distribute widely
The airplane dispersed the leaflets over the city.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dispense
To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct.
to dispense justice
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dispense
To supply or make up a medicine or prescription.
The pharmacist dispensed my tablets.
An optician can dispense spectacles.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
To separate and move in different directions; scatter
The crowd dispersed once the concert ended.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
To attenuate and vanish; dissipate
The storm clouds had dispersed by noon.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
To scatter in different directions.
The Jews are dispersed among all nations.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
To separate rays of light, etc., according to wavelength; to refract.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dispense
To pay for; to atone for.
His sin was dispensedWith gold, whereof it was compensed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dispense
To compensate; to make up; to make amends.
One loving hourFor many years of sorrow can dispense.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dispense
To give dispensation.
He [the pope] can also dispense in all matters of ecclesiastical law.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
To scatter, so as to cause to vanish; to dissipate; as, to disperse vapors.
Dispersed are the glories.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
To separate; to go or move into different parts; to vanish; as, the company dispersed at ten o'clock; the clouds disperse.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dispense
Expense; profusion; outlay.
It was a vault built for great dispense.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
To distribute wealth; to share one's abundance with others.
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dispense
grant a dispensation; grant an exemption;
I was dispensed from this terrible task
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
to cause to separate and go in different directions;
She waved her hand and scattered the crowds
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Disperse
move away from each other;
The crowds dispersed
The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dispense
Grant a license or permission.
The board dispenses permits for new constructions.
Jonathan
Sep 15, 2023
◉Disperse
cause to become widely known;
spread information
circulate a rumor
broadcast the news
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dispense
Release from an obligation.
The teacher dispensed him from homework due to illness.
Olivia
Sep 15, 2023
Dispense vs. Disperse Frequently Asked Questions
Can light disperse?
Yes, light can disperse, breaking into its spectrum of colors.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 06, 2024
Can dispense mean giving up a duty?
Yes, for instance, one can "dispense with formalities."
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 06, 2024
Is dispensing always about tangible things?
No, one can dispense advice, justice, or rights, which are intangible.
Elijah
Feb 06, 2024
If I distribute flyers, am I dispensing or dispersing?
You could be said to be doing both; dispensing individual flyers and dispersing information.
Jonathan
Feb 06, 2024
What's the main difference between dispense and disperse?
Dispense involves distributing, often in measures, while disperse means scattering or spreading widely.
Muazma Batool
Feb 06, 2024
Does disperse always mean scattering randomly?
Not always, but it generally implies spreading out from a point of concentration.
Muazma Batool
Feb 06, 2024
Is dispersing always a physical action?
No, one can disperse doubts or fears, which are intangible.
Leo
Feb 06, 2024
What's the opposite of disperse?
Gather or consolidate would be opposites of disperse.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 06, 2024
In what context would a machine dispense?
A vending machine dispenses snacks or drinks when selected.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 06, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
