ENGLISH
REFERENCE

distributes

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //dɪˈstɹɪbjuts// UK //dˈɪstɹɪbjˌuːts// dis·trib·utes

v. to give things out to a group of people so that everyone gets a share. It can also mean spreading something over a wide area.

v. to deliver or hand out items to several recipients; to spread or scatter something over a specific area or space. Often used in logistics, economics, or biology to describe the movement of goods or species.


SIMPLE

The charity distributes food to families in need every weekend.

CONTEXTUAL

The software automatically distributes incoming emails to the correct department based on the keywords in the subject line.

COMPLEX

The heart distributes oxygenated blood throughout the body via a complex network of arteries, ensuring that even the most distant tissues receive the nutrients required for cellular function.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; it often takes the preposition 'to' for recipients or 'across' for areas.

Pitfall

The company distributes to its products globally.The company distributes its products globally.Distribute is a transitive verb and must be followed directly by the object being given out, not a preposition.

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