distributive
adjective
Simple meaning
A property of functions that have a rule describing how the function can be performed to the individual components of another operation.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
dihstribyootivSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
dɪstˈɹɪbjutɪv
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
adjective
Tending to distribute; serving to divide and assign in portions; dealing a proper share to each.
Serving to distribute or allot or disperse
Relating to distribution.
mathematics
A property of functions that have a rule describing how the function can be performed to the individual components of another operation.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- C2 · Proficient (estimated)
- Frequency
- Uncommon
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: Tending to distribute; serving to divide and assign in portions; dealing a proper share to each.
Used this way, distributive is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- No strong connotation
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Word family
Words built from the same root.
Someone who markets merchandise.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
Shock caused by poor distribution of the blood flow.
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What Does It Mean Here?
Words can change meaning depending on context.
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.