distribution
Distribution is the way things are shared out or spread across a group or place.
Explanation at your level:
Distribution means giving things to people. Imagine you have ten cookies and you give one to each of your ten friends. That is a distribution! It is like sharing.
When we talk about distribution, we mean how things are spread out. For example, the distribution of trees in a forest means where the trees are growing. It helps us understand where things are located.
In business, distribution is the process of getting products to customers. If a company makes shoes, they need a good distribution plan to get those shoes to stores all over the country. It is essential for selling goods effectively.
In statistics, distribution describes the frequency of data. A 'normal distribution' shows that most data points are in the middle, with fewer at the edges. It is a key term for researchers and analysts who need to interpret complex information patterns.
Beyond physical goods, we use distribution to discuss abstract concepts like power or wealth. The 'uneven distribution of resources' is a common phrase in political science and economics, highlighting systemic inequality within a population or a global market.
Etymologically, distribution signifies the systematic partitioning of a whole. In advanced literary or scientific contexts, it implies a deliberate arrangement or scattering. Whether discussing the distribution of species in a biosphere or the distribution of rights in a constitution, the term denotes a structural, often mathematical, order.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Distribution means sharing or spreading something.
- It is a common noun in business and science.
- The verb form is 'distribute'.
- It often refers to how resources or data are arranged.
Hey there! Think of distribution as the big picture of how things are spread out. Whether you are talking about handing out flyers at a concert or looking at how many people live in different cities, you are talking about distribution.
In a business sense, it is all about the logistics of getting a product from the factory to the store shelves. Without good distribution, your favorite snacks would never make it to the grocery store! It is a fundamental concept in both our daily lives and complex academic fields like statistics.
The word distribution comes to us from the Latin word distributio, which literally means 'to divide up.' It is rooted in the verb distribuere, combining dis- (meaning 'apart') and tribuere (meaning 'to assign or pay').
It entered Middle English via Old French in the 14th century. Back then, it was mostly used to describe the act of giving out charity or goods. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the mathematical and scientific meanings we use today, showing how language grows alongside human knowledge.
You will hear distribution used in many different settings. In a formal business meeting, you might discuss 'supply chain distribution,' while in a math class, you might talk about a 'normal distribution' curve.
It is a versatile noun that pairs well with verbs like manage, improve, or analyze. Because it sounds professional, it is a staple in academic writing and corporate reports. Just remember that it is almost always used in a neutral or formal context.
While 'distribution' itself isn't the star of many idioms, it is often part of larger phrases. 1. Fair distribution: Sharing things equally. 2. Wide distribution: Spread across a large area. 3. Uneven distribution: When things are clustered in one spot. 4. Income distribution: How money is shared in a society. 5. Data distribution: The pattern of information.
Pronounced dis-truh-BYOO-shun, the stress falls on the third syllable. In IPA, it is /ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən/. It is a countable noun, so you can have one distribution or many distributions.
It often follows the preposition 'of' (e.g., 'the distribution of wealth'). It rhymes with words like contribution, constitution, and substitution, which makes it part of a very helpful family of -tion words!
Fun Fact
The root 'tribuere' also gives us the word 'tribute'!
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'dis' sound, 'tri' is short, 'bju' is long.
Similar to UK, but the 'tri' is often a schwa sound.
Common Errors
- stressing the wrong syllable
- swallowing the 'tion' ending
- mispronouncing the 'bju' part
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanc
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
The distribution is good.
Prepositional phrases
Distribution of wealth.
Countable nouns
Many distributions.
Examples by Level
The teacher did the distribution of books.
teacher / giving out / books
noun usage
I like the distribution of colors.
spread / colors
noun usage
The distribution is fair.
sharing / equal
adjective + noun
Look at the distribution of toys.
spread / toys
prepositional phrase
We need better distribution.
better / sharing
adjective + noun
The distribution was fast.
sharing / quick
simple sentence
Check the distribution here.
look at / spread / here
imperative
He likes the distribution.
he / likes / the spread
subject + verb
The distribution of food was done quickly.
We studied the distribution of plants.
The company improved its distribution network.
The distribution of seats was random.
Check the distribution of the population.
The distribution of heat is important.
They managed the distribution of mail.
The distribution of water is a problem.
The distribution of wealth is a major topic.
The film had a wide distribution in theaters.
We analyzed the distribution of test scores.
The distribution of power is balanced.
They specialize in the distribution of electronics.
The distribution of resources is uneven.
He is responsible for the distribution of supplies.
The distribution of light creates a nice mood.
The statistical distribution shows a clear trend.
The company expanded its global distribution channels.
The distribution of species varies by climate.
We need to optimize our distribution strategy.
The distribution of income is highly debated.
The distribution of the burden was unfair.
The software allows for the distribution of files.
The distribution of votes was unexpected.
The uneven distribution of technological access is a concern.
The study examines the spatial distribution of urban centers.
The distribution of the vaccine was a logistical challenge.
The probability distribution follows a bell curve.
The distribution of labor is essential for efficiency.
The distribution of the estate was handled by lawyers.
The distribution of the load must be even.
The distribution of the samples was randomized.
The distribution of linguistic traits suggests a common origin.
The distribution of power within the committee is hierarchical.
The distribution of assets was meticulously planned.
The distribution of the atmospheric pressure is fluctuating.
The distribution of the narrative focus shifts throughout the novel.
The distribution of the risk is shared among investors.
The distribution of the population density is critical.
The distribution of the artistic elements is harmonious.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Idioms & Expressions
"distribute the wealth"
to share money with others
He believes in distributing the wealth.
neutral"spread thin"
distributed over too wide an area
Our resources are spread thin.
casual"across the board"
distributed to everyone equally
The raise applies across the board.
neutral"spread the word"
distribute information
Please spread the word about the party.
casual"spread like wildfire"
distributed very quickly
The rumor spread like wildfire.
casual"scattered to the winds"
distributed everywhere
The papers were scattered to the winds.
literaryEasily Confused
Similar ending
Contribution is giving; distribution is spreading.
His contribution was money; the distribution of food was done by the staff.
Similar meaning
Allocation is assigning; distribution is spreading.
The allocation of tasks was clear.
Both mean spreading
Dissemination is for information.
The dissemination of data was fast.
Both mean spreading
Dispersion is more physical/random.
The dispersion of seeds was natural.
Sentence Patterns
The distribution of [noun] is [adjective].
The distribution of wealth is uneven.
We managed the distribution of [noun].
We managed the distribution of aid.
Analyze the distribution of [noun].
Analyze the distribution of the population.
Focus on the distribution of [noun].
Focus on the distribution of resources.
The distribution of [noun] varies.
The distribution of rainfall varies.
Famille de mots
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Apparenté
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Erreurs courantes
Distribution is a noun; distribute is the verb.
Distribution is about spreading; contribution is about giving to a cause.
It follows standard plural rules.
They are opposites.
It is a countable noun requiring an article.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a pizza being sliced and shared.
When Native Speakers Use It
When talking about logistics.
Cultural Insight
Often used in political debates.
Grammar Shortcut
Always followed by 'of'.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'bju' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'distribute' as a noun.
Did You Know?
It comes from Latin.
Study Smart
Group it with 'contribution'.
Context Matters
Use it for data or goods.
Article usage
Always use 'the' or 'a'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
DIS-TRI-BUTE: DIS (divide) + TRI (three parts) + BUTE (give).
Visual Association
A delivery truck handing out packages.
Word Web
Défi
Describe the distribution of furniture in your room.
Origine du mot
Latin
Original meaning: to divide up
Contexte culturel
None, it is a neutral term.
Commonly used in business, economics, and logistics.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- distribution channel
- distribution network
- manage distribution
School
- normal distribution
- data distribution
- statistical distribution
Travel
- population distribution
- resource distribution
Daily life
- fair distribution
- even distribution
Conversation Starters
"How would you describe the distribution of wealth in your country?"
"Do you think the distribution of work in your office is fair?"
"What is the best way to improve the distribution of food to those in need?"
"How does the distribution of population affect city life?"
"Have you ever studied a normal distribution in math?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had to handle the distribution of something.
Describe the distribution of furniture in your favorite room.
Why is the distribution of resources important for a country?
Reflect on how technology has changed the distribution of information.
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsYes, you can have one distribution or multiple distributions.
Yes, like the distribution of students in a class.
Distribute.
It is neutral but sounds professional.
Delivery is the act of bringing; distribution is the act of spreading out.
Yes, the distribution of ideas.
Yes, very frequently.
Think of sharing out items.
Teste-toi
The ___ of cookies was fair.
Distribution fits the context of sharing.
What does distribution mean?
Distribution is the act of sharing.
Distribution is a verb.
It is a noun.
Word
Signification
Matches nouns with their meanings.
Standard subject-verb-adj structure.
The ___ of wealth is a complex issue.
Distribution is the correct term for wealth spread.
Which is a synonym for distribution?
Allocation means assigning/sharing.
Distribution can be used in statistics.
Yes, it describes data spread.
Word
Signification
Advanced concepts.
Logical sentence flow.
Score : /10
Summary
Distribution is the way things are shared or spread out.
- Distribution means sharing or spreading something.
- It is a common noun in business and science.
- The verb form is 'distribute'.
- It often refers to how resources or data are arranged.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a pizza being sliced and shared.
When Native Speakers Use It
When talking about logistics.
Cultural Insight
Often used in political debates.
Grammar Shortcut
Always followed by 'of'.
Exemple
The distribution of flyers in the neighborhood took all morning.
Related Content
Apprendre en contexte
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur Work
abformize
C1Donner une structure ou une forme standardisée à un objet ou une idée en se basant sur un modèle.
abmissery
C1To formally discharge or release an individual from a specific duty, mission, or administrative post, typically due to a failure to meet requirements or an organizational change. It implies a structured removal from a position of responsibility before the natural conclusion of a term.
abregship
C1Cela consiste à réduire systématiquement la portée des fonctions et des pouvoirs d'un poste de direction.
absigntude
C1To formally and publicly relinquish a position of authority or a professional responsibility, specifically as an act of moral or ethical protest. This verb implies that the departure is accompanied by a documented statement of principles or a refusal to comply with compromised standards.
accomplishment
B2An accomplishment is something that has been achieved successfully, especially through hard work, skill, or perseverance. It refers both to the act of finishing a task and the successful result itself.
achievement
C1C'est accomplir quelque chose avec succès, souvent grâce à l'effort ou au talent. C'est une réussite notable.
adantiary
C1Ajuster ou modifier un plan ou un processus à l'avance pour anticiper de futurs problèmes.
adept
C1Highly skilled or proficient at a task that requires specific knowledge or practice. It describes a person who can perform complex actions with ease and precision.
adflexship
C1Adapter stratégiquement son approche professionnelle en intégrant de nouvelles compétences avec souplesse pour répondre aux évolutions de l'environnement.
adhument
C1'Adhument' veut dire apporter un soutien ou renforcer quelque chose qui existe déjà. C'est comme ajouter des renforts pour rendre une structure plus solide.
