Dispose

Definition

Dispose is a verb that refers to the action of getting rid of something or arranging something in a particular order. It can also mean to influence someone to be inclined towards a particular attitude or action.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈspoʊz/
• Respelling: dih-SPOHZ

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈspəʊz/
• Respelling: dih-SPOHZ

The pronunciation of "dispose" is largely consistent across American and British English, with slight variation in the vowel sound.

Etymology

The word "dispose" comes from the Latin word "disponere," which means "to arrange or set in order." "Dis-" means "apart" and "ponere" means "to place." The term entered Middle English through Old French "disposer," meaning "to arrange" or "to set in order."

Derivatives

• Disposal (noun)
• Disposed (adjective)
• Disposing (verb)
• Disposition (noun)
• Indispose (verb)

Synonyms

• Discard
• Arrange
• Get rid of

Antonyms

• Keep
• Retain
• Hold

Usage

The word "dispose" is commonly used in two main contexts: the act of getting rid of or discarding something, especially waste or unwanted items, and the act of arranging or ordering things. In legal contexts, "dispose of" can mean to sell or transfer property. It is also used figuratively to describe influencing someone’s feelings or attitudes.

Related Terms

• Disposition: A person's inherent qualities of mind and character, or an inclination or tendency.
• Arrangement: The action or process of putting things in order.
• Discard: To get rid of something unwanted.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To get rid of or discard: Refers to the act of removing something, often waste or unwanted items.
  • Example: "He needed to dispose of the old furniture before moving."
• To arrange or order: Refers to the act of positioning or setting things in a particular way.
  • Example: "The chairs were disposed neatly around the table."
• To incline or influence someone towards a particular attitude: Refers to shaping someone's mood or tendency.
  • Example: "Her kind words disposed him to agree with her plan."