Dispersed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ๏ธ
dispersed
[dษชsหpษหrst ]
Definition
spread out
To disperse means to distribute or spread something over a wide area. The action often involves scattering or spreading something that was previously concentrated. Dispersal can occur in various contexts, such as in nature when seeds are spread by wind or animals, or in social settings when a crowd disperses after an event. This term can also refer to the dissemination of information or substances, making it versatile in its application.
Synonyms
diffuse, disseminate, distribute, scatter, spread.
Examples of usage
- The crowd dispersed after the concert ended.
- The seeds were dispersed by the wind.
- After the meeting, the participants dispersed quickly.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, when a substance is dispersed in a fluid, it mixes evenly, much like how cream swirls into coffee.
- Ecosystems rely on the dispersion of seeds to ensure plant diversity and sustain wildlife.
Cultural Practices
- In cultural ceremonies, items like flowers or rice are often dispersed to symbolize blessings or good fortune.
- Various indigenous cultures use dispersal during rituals to connect the community with nature.
Literature
- The concept of dispersal appears in poetry, often representing themes of loss, separation, or the search for connection.
- Authors use the idea of dispersion to depict characters' journeys as they seek new beginnings.
Psychology
- In psychology, dispersal can refer to how memories or emotions can spread out over time, making them less intense.
- The theory of cognitive dissonance discusses how conflicting beliefs can disperse one's sense of self or certainty.
Origin of 'dispersed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'dispersus,' which means 'to scatter.'
- It has roots in the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'apart,' and 'spargere,' meaning 'to scatter or spread.'
The word 'disperse' originates from the Latin 'dispersare', which means 'to scatter about'. It is composed of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'spargere' meaning 'to scatter'. The term entered the English language in the early 15th century, reflecting the act of scattering things in multiple directions. Over the centuries, 'disperse' has been applied in various fields, including science, where it describes the spreading of particles in chemistry and physics. The transition of the word from a physical context to abstract uses, such as the dispersal of ideas or information, illustrates the evolution of language as it adapts to new concepts and social behaviors.