dispense

Everyday

1. To give out something, often in measured amounts: The machine dispenses drinks. tree →
2. To prepare and give out medicine: The chemist dispenses medicine. tree →
3. (formal) To give out or provide: The judge dispenses justice. tree →
4. dispense with (formal) = do without, get rid of: Let's dispense with the speeches. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life a machine dispenses snacks, soap or cash; in health a pharmacist dispenses medicine; in maths a dispenser can give out equal amounts each time. Phrases: «dispense with», «dispense medicine», «soap dispenser», «cash dispenser» (UK, an ATM).

Examples

• The machine dispenses a can of juice for two dollars. tree →
• The pharmacist dispensed my medicine. tree →
• Press the button and the soap dispenser gives you some soap. tree →
• Let's dispense with the jokes and start the test. tree →
• The tap dispenses 2 litres a minute. tree →
• The cash dispenser was out of money. tree →
• Modern education includes morality; therefore the modern child seeks only entertainment in its wonder tales and gladly dispenses with all disagreeable incident. tree →

Note

Regular verb. «Dispense with» means «not use», not «give out». Noun: dispenser (a machine or container that gives things out). In maths, «dispenses 3 sweets each time» means repeated equal groups: multiply.