What is distribution? Pronunciation and usage in English

distribution means . Learn how to pronounce and use distribution through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of distribution

distributionnoun

/ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of distribution

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "distribution" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is broken into three syllables:

  • dis - as in "dish"
  • tri - as in "tree"
  • bute - as in "but"

2. Phonetics (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /dɪˈstrɪbjuːʃən/

Let's break that down:

  • dɪ: Sounds like "di" as in "did"
  • ˈstrɪ: This is the stressed syllable. “str” is pronounced like “str” in “street,” and “i” is short, like in “sit.” The ˈ symbol indicates the stressed syllable.
  • bute: As in "but"
  • ʃən: Sounds like "shun" – similar to the "shun" in "sun" or "shirt."

3. Putting it Together – A Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Start with "di": Say "di" as in "did".
  2. Add "str": Say “str” like “str” in “street”.
  3. Say “i”: Briefly say “i” as in “sit”.
  4. Say "bute": Say "bute" as in "but”.
  5. Finish with "shun": Finish with "shun" as in “sun”.

4. Tips for Sounding Natural:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("tri"). Don't say it too evenly.
  • Smooth Transition: Try to link the sounds together smoothly. The “str” should flow into the “i”.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "t": The 't' in "bute" is relatively quiet.

Resources for Hearing and Practicing:

To help me tailor the explanation better, would you like me to:

  • Focus on a specific part of the pronunciation (e.g., the "str" sound)?
  • Provide examples of sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word distribution in English

Let's break down how to use the word "distribution" in English. It's a really versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (Most Common Usage):

  • Meaning 1: The act of spreading something out or delivering it to different places or people. This is the most frequent way you'll encounter it.

    • Example: "The distribution of the new software was delayed due to server issues." (Here, it means the process of getting the software to users).
    • Example: "The company’s distribution network covers 50 countries." (Refers to how they get their products to customers globally).
    • Example: "We’re organizing a food distribution to help families in need." (Means delivering food).

  • Meaning 2: A way of organizing and delivering something.

    • Example: "The distribution of the books in the library is alphabetical." (They're organized in that way).
    • Example: "The distribution of the information was confusing." (It was presented in a clumsy or unclear way).

2. As a Verb:

  • Meaning 1: To spread something out or distribute it.

    • Example: "The government will distribute funds to struggling businesses." (To give/spread the money).
    • Example: "The artist distributed flyers around the city to promote his exhibition." (To hand out flyers).
    • Example: "We’ll distribute the cookies equally among the children." (To share).

  • Meaning 2 (Less Common): To allocate or assign.

    • Example: “The professor will distribute the exam papers at the end of the lecture.” (To give out – often in a formal context).

3. Related Concepts & Phrases:

  • Distribution Channel: The path a product takes from manufacturer to consumer (e.g., retail store, online seller, distributor). “The company uses a direct distribution channel to reach customers.”

  • Distribution Center: A warehouse used for storing and distributing goods. “The packages were shipped from the regional distribution center.”

  • Market Distribution: How a product is sold and delivered to customers in a specific market. “The restaurant's market distribution is focused on the downtown area.”

  • Distribution Network: A system of distributors used to spread a product of service. “The company has a robust distribution network.”

Tips for Using "Distribution" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “delivery,” “spread,” “allocation,” “distribution,” or “supply” depending on the specific situation.
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Distribution" is generally a more formal word than “give out” or “share.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to use the word "distribution" in? (e.g., a specific sentence, a topic you’re studying, etc.)

Synonyms for the word distribution

Practice with vocabulary distribution

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The equitable ______ of vaccines posed a significant global challenge.
  2. Analyzing the statistical ______ of sales data can help predict market trends.
  3. The rapid ______ of news via social media has transformed public discourse.
  4. Successful project management requires careful ______ of responsibilities.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which term refers to the method by which products or services are made available to consumers? a) Marketing b) Distribution c) Logistics d) Supply chain management

  2. Analyzing the ______ of customer feedback can reveal common pain points. a) aggregation b) spread c) distribution d) collection

  3. Governments worldwide faced challenges with the fair ______ of essential medical supplies during the pandemic. a) acquisition b) deployment c) distribution d) production

  4. Which of the following words describes the process of assigning resources or tasks to different parties? a) Apportionment b) Allocation c) Delegation d) Spread

  5. The movement of information, money, or people within a defined system is often referred to as: a) Circulation b) Transfer c) Flow d) Passage

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company is optimizing its methods for getting products to its customers. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "distribution".

  2. Researchers are studying how frequently different genetic traits appear within a population. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "distribution".

  3. The committee decided how to divide the available funds among the various departments. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, not "distribution".

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. distribution
  2. distribution
  3. dissemination
  4. delegation

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Distribution, c) Logistics, d) Supply chain management
  2. b) spread, c) distribution
  3. c) distribution
  4. a) Apportionment, b) Allocation, c) Delegation
  5. a) Circulation, b) Transfer, c) Flow

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company is optimizing its product distribution methods.
  2. Researchers are studying the distribution of different genetic traits within a population.
  3. The committee decided how to allocate the available funds among the various departments.

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