Dispense vs. Disperse: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 8, 2023
To dispense means to distribute or administer in portions, usually a service or substance, while to disperse is to scatter or spread widely.
Key Differences
The words "dispense" and "disperse," despite having different meanings, are sometimes used interchangeably due to their similar sounds, but it's crucial to understand the distinctions between them. "Dispense" primarily refers to distributing or administering in portions, and it often relates to providing a service or distributing substances, such as medication. On the other hand, "disperse" typically means to scatter, spread widely, or dissipate, and it is generally associated with the distribution of items or people over a wide area.
In the realm of healthcare and pharmacy, "dispense" is a commonly used term. It refers to the action of providing medications in appropriate amounts and labeled appropriately to a patient, according to the prescription. Conversely, "disperse" can refer to the action of particles spreading out uniformly in a medium, exemplified when light rays are dispersed by a prism, or when a group of people disperse into different directions.
When you delve into legal contexts, "dispense" may imply granting an exemption from a law, allowing individuals or entities to be free from specific legal obligations. In contrast, "disperse" in legal terms can imply the act of dissipating a crowd or assembly, especially in the context of a dispersal order, where people are directed to leave an area or stop a gathering to prevent disorder.
"Dispense" also extends to colloquial usage, depicting the act of distributing or providing, as in dispensing advice, wisdom, or justice. It implies a more controlled and deliberate allocation or provision of something. "Disperse," conversely, can represent the scattering or spreading of things like seeds, light, or even ideas, across different areas or mediums, generally indicating a broader and more random distribution.
In essence, while "dispense" is about distribution or provision in measured portions or specific allocations, "disperse" is about scattering, spreading, or distributing widely, without specific allocations, generally involving a range of areas or mediums.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
To distribute or administer in portions.
To scatter, spread widely, or dissipate.
Usage Contexts
Healthcare, legal, general distribution of substances or advice
Physics, crowd control, general scattering of items
Level of Control
More controlled and specific.
More random and widespread.
Relation to Medium
Often does not change the medium.
Often involves spreading through a medium.
Allocation
Specific allocations or portions.
Non-specific, wide distribution.
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Dispense and Disperse Definitions
Dispense
To distribute in portions or doses.
The pharmacist will dispense the medication as per the doctor's prescription.
Disperse
To spread over a wide area.
The crowd began to disperse after the concert ended.
Dispense
To administer or supply.
The machine dispenses soft drinks to customers.
Disperse
To dissipate or vanish.
The fog will disperse when the sun rises.
Dispense
To manage without; to forgo.
You can't dispense with a good waterproof jacket when hiking in the rain.
Disperse
To cause to disappear or fade.
The strong wind dispersed the smoke.
Dispense
To exempt from a law or release from a duty.
The king can dispense subjects from their allegiance under certain conditions.
Disperse
To distribute loosely without specific allocation.
The manager dispersed the tasks among the team members.
Dispense
To give or deal out, especially in parts or portions
A machine that dispenses candy.
A neighbor who freely dispenses advice.
Disperse
To drive off or scatter in different directions
The police dispersed the crowd.
Dispense
To prepare and give out (medicines).
Disperse
To strew or distribute widely
The airplane dispersed the leaflets over the city.
Dispense
To administer (laws, for example).
Disperse
To cause to attenuate and disappear
The sun dispersed the fog.
Dispense
To exempt or release, as from a duty or religious obligation.
Disperse
To separate (light) into spectral rays.
Dispense
To grant a dispensation or exemption.
Disperse
To distribute (particles) evenly throughout a medium.
Dispense
To issue, distribute, or give out.
Disperse
To separate and move in different directions; scatter
The crowd dispersed once the concert ended.
Dispense
To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct.
To dispense justice
Disperse
To attenuate and vanish; dissipate
The storm clouds had dispersed by noon.
Dispense
To supply or make up a medicine or prescription.
The pharmacist dispensed my tablets.
An optician can dispense spectacles.
Disperse
To scatter in different directions.
The Jews are dispersed among all nations.
Dispense
(obsolete) To give a dispensation to (someone); to excuse.
Disperse
To break up and disappear; to dissipate.
Dispense
To compensate; to make up; to make amends.
Disperse
To disseminate.
Dispense
(obsolete) Cost, expenditure.
Disperse
To separate rays of light, etc., according to wavelength; to refract.
Dispense
(obsolete) The act of dispensing, dispensation.
Disperse
To distribute throughout.
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
Scattered or spread out.
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 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 pay for; to atone for.
His sin was dispensedWith gold, whereof it was compensed.
Disperse
To scatter, so as to cause to vanish; to dissipate; as, to disperse vapors.
Dispersed are the glories.
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 separate; to go or move into different parts; to vanish; as, the company dispersed at ten o'clock; the clouds disperse.
Dispense
To compensate; to make up; to make amends.
One loving hourFor many years of sorrow can dispense.
Disperse
To distribute wealth; to share one's abundance with others.
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor.
Dispense
To give dispensation.
He [the pope] can also dispense in all matters of ecclesiastical law.
Disperse
Distribute loosely;
He scattered gun powder under the wagon
Dispense
Dispensation; exemption.
Disperse
To cause to separate and go in different directions;
She waved her hand and scattered the crowds
Dispense
Expense; profusion; outlay.
It was a vault built for great dispense.
Disperse
Move away from each other;
The crowds dispersed
The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached
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
Cause to separate;
Break up kidney stones
Disperse particles
Dispense
Grant a dispensation; grant an exemption;
I was dispensed from this terrible task
Disperse
Cause to become widely known;
Spread information
Circulate a rumor
Broadcast the news
Dispense
Give or apply (medications)
Dispense
To deal out or distribute.
The organization dispenses food to the needy.
FAQs
Is dispense usually more controlled?
Yes, dispense typically involves more controlled and specific allocations or provisions.
Is dispense commonly used in healthcare?
Yes, dispense is frequently used in the context of providing medications in healthcare.
Can disperse imply a crowd breaking up?
Yes, disperse can refer to a crowd breaking up and moving in different directions.
Are dispense and disperse synonymous?
No, dispense involves distribution or administration, while disperse involves scattering or spreading.
Can disperse refer to spreading through a medium?
Yes, disperse can refer to particles spreading through a medium or light being scattered.
Can you dispense advice?
Yes, you can dispense advice, meaning to give or share advice.
Can you dispense with formalities?
Yes, to dispense with formalities means to forgo or do away with them.
Can disperse refer to the act of vanishing?
Yes, disperse can mean to dissipate or vanish, like smoke or fog.
Is dispense more about distribution?
Yes, dispense primarily relates to distribution or provision in measured portions or specific allocations.
Can one dispense laws?
In historical or legal contexts, dispensing could mean exempting someone from a law or obligation.
Can light be dispersed?
Yes, light can be dispersed, such as when it passes through a prism and scatters.
Is to disperse to allocate specifically?
No, to disperse typically involves a more random and widespread distribution without specific allocation.
Is dispersal the act of dispersing?
Yes, dispersal is the process or act of dispersing or being dispersed.
Does dispense always involve tangible items?
No, you can dispense intangibles like advice or justice as well.
Can you use disperse when talking about seeds?
Yes, seeds can be dispersed by natural elements like wind or water.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
