distribute
/dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈstri-byüt also -byət British also ˈdi-stri-ˌbyüt/ (ame, mw)
distribute — verb
- distribute,present simple I / you / we / they
- distributepresent simple I / you / we / they
- distributes,he / she / it
- distributeshe / she / it
- distributed,past simple
- distributedpast simple
- distributing,-ing form
- distributing-ing form
1. to give one of something to each person in a group, especially by putting it int
to give one of something to each person in a group, especially by putting it into their hands
Baraka stood at the classroom door and distributed the test papers to each student.
distribute + noun + to + person (physical objects)
Volunteers at the food bank distributed rice and beans to over 200 families last Saturday.
The teacher asked Liang to distribute the worksheets while she took attendance.
At the conference, staff members distributed name tags and programme booklets to everyone who arrived.
- collect
to take things from several people, the reverse action
文法句型
distribute + noun + to + person/group
用法筆記
Always transitive. The direct object is the thing given, and the recipient is introduced by 'to'. The thing given is usually a physical object such as documents, food, or supplies.
常見錯誤
2. to spread something over an area so that it covers many parts of that area, or t
to spread something over an area so that it covers many parts of that area, or to be spread in this way
The architect designed the windows so that natural light is distributed evenly throughout the house.
passive: be distributed + throughout + area (of light or air)
In a healthy forest, different tree species are distributed across the mountainside at various altitudes.
The gardener distributed the compost evenly over the flower beds before planting.
Seeds from the wildflowers are distributed by wind and birds across the whole meadow.
- gather
to bring things together into one place
文法句型
distribute + noun + over/throughout/across + area
be distributed over/throughout/across + area
用法筆記
Common in the passive voice. The choice of preposition depends on the kind of area: 'over' for surfaces, 'throughout' for enclosed or three-dimensional spaces, and 'across' for general or broad areas.
常見錯誤
3. to supply goods to shops, companies, or customers so that they can be sold or us
to supply goods to shops, companies, or customers so that they can be sold or used
The company distributes fresh dairy products to supermarkets across Taiwan every morning.
business: distribute + products + to + retail outlet
Hyun's family runs a small business that distributes organic vegetables to local restaurants.
This brand is distributed worldwide by a large European corporation based in Germany.
Eri's company distributes medical supplies to hospitals throughout Southeast Asia each month.
- collect
to take goods from a place rather than bringing them
文法句型
distribute + noun + to + company/area
be distributed by + company
用法筆記
Frequently used in business and logistics. The subject is usually a company or organisation, and the object is a type of product or goods. The recipient is typically a business, not an individual person.