Word
dispersed
Phoneticsdis·persed, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈspɝst/
UK/dɪspˈɜːsd/
Definitions
01to scatter or spread
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to move apart and go in different directions, or to spread something out over a large area.
v. to cause to separate and move in different directions; often used in the passive voice to describe the distribution of a group or substance.
“The crowd dispersed quickly once the rain started falling heavily.”
“The police ordered the protesters to leave, and the group eventually dispersed into the surrounding side streets without further incident.”
Usage
Often used as an intransitive verb when a crowd moves away, or transitively when an agent spreads something.
Synonyms
02spread out
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. spread over a wide area rather than being concentrated in one spot.
adj. distributed or spread over a wide area; not concentrated or clustered.
“The company has a very dispersed workforce, with employees living in ten different countries.”
“The archaeological survey revealed a dispersed settlement pattern, suggesting that the ancient inhabitants lived in small, isolated farmsteads rather than a central village.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to break up a substance
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
v. to break something up so it disappears or spreads into another substance, like smoke in the air.
v. to cause a gas, liquid, or smoke to thin out and eventually vanish through spreading.
“The strong winds dispersed the thick fog by mid-morning.”
“The chemical agent was designed to be dispersed as a fine mist, ensuring maximum coverage across the affected agricultural zone.”
Usage
Commonly used in scientific contexts regarding particles, light, or chemicals.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Protesters had dispersed by lunchtime, and no arrests were made during the incident.” “The volunteers were dispersed to bases across the north and put to work.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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