Dispose: meaning, definitions and examples

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dispose

 

[ dɪˈspoʊz ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

waste management

To get rid of something or to deal with it in a particular way, especially by throwing it away.

Synonyms

discard, eliminate, remove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dispose

As mentioned previously, used for arranging or getting rid of something properly. Duplicate entry.

discard

Typically used when getting rid of something that is no longer needed or wanted, often without much thought.

  • She discarded the old magazines lying around the house.
  • Discard any food that is past its expiration date.
eliminate

Used when wanting to completely remove something or someone, often implying thoroughness and finality. Sometimes used in competitive contexts or situations requiring precision.

  • The goal of the team is to eliminate all bugs in the software before the release date.
  • The suspect was eliminated from the list of potential criminals.
remove

Used when taking something away from a place or position. It does not necessarily mean getting rid of it permanently, just moving it from its current location.

  • Please, remove your shoes before entering the house.
  • He was removed from his position as team leader.

Examples of usage

  • He disposed of the waste in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • She disposed of all the old furniture in the house.
Context #2 | Verb

arrange

To arrange something in a particular position or order.

Synonyms

arrange, organize, position.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dispose

Besides its primary meaning related to getting rid of something, 'dispose' can also mean to arrange or order a certain way, but this usage is quite rare and old-fashioned.

  • She disposed her troops in a strategic formation
  • The furniture was disposed tastefully around the room
arrange

This word is typically used when talking about setting things in a specific order or sequence. It can be used in various contexts, such as organizing events, scheduling, or placing objects in a particular configuration.

  • We need to arrange the chairs in a circle for the meeting
  • Can you arrange the files in alphabetical order?
organize

This word is used when you need to plan or structure something efficiently. It is commonly used in contexts where you need to bring order to things, whether it be events, tasks, items, or even people.

  • We need to organize the files before the audit
  • She is very good at organizing community events
position

This word is often used when you are referring to placing something in a specific spot or orientation. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as positioning a product in the market.

  • Please position the artwork in the center of the wall
  • The company is trying to position itself as an innovator in the industry

Examples of usage

  • He disposed the books on the shelf in alphabetical order.
  • She disposed the flowers in a beautiful vase.
Context #3 | Noun

legal

To transfer property or money to someone, especially by will or as a gift.

Synonyms

allocate, bequeath, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dispose

Use in scenarios where you want to get rid of something, often waste or unwanted items. It often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation.

  • She needed to dispose of the old furniture.
  • Please dispose of your trash properly.
transfer

Useful in both casual and formal contexts where something is being moved from one place or person to another. Often seen in contexts related to job positions, ownership, or data.

  • She was transferred to a new department.
  • You can transfer money between accounts online.
allocate

Appropriate in professional or organizational settings where resources or tasks are being distributed.

  • The manager will allocate the budget for the new project.
  • They allocated the available resources efficiently.
bequeath

Typically used in legal or formal situations, especially when passing on property, assets, or a legacy through a will.

  • She decided to bequeath her estate to her nephew.
  • The philanthropist bequeathed a large sum to the charity.

Examples of usage

  • The will disposed of the estate among the heirs.
  • The company disposed of its assets to pay off debts.

Translations

Translations of the word "dispose" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descartar

🇮🇳 निपटाना

🇩🇪 entsorgen

🇮🇩 membuang

🇺🇦 утилізувати

🇵🇱 pozbyć się

🇯🇵 処分する (shobun suru)

🇫🇷 jeter

🇪🇸 desechar

🇹🇷 atmak

🇰🇷 처리하다 (cheorihada)

🇸🇦 تخلص من

🇨🇿 zlikvidovat

🇸🇰 zlikvidovať

🇨🇳 处理 (chǔlǐ)

🇸🇮 odvreči

🇮🇸 losna við

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 გადაგდება

🇦🇿 atmaq

🇲🇽 desechar

Etymology

The word 'dispose' originated from the Old French word 'disposer', which means 'to arrange'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the meaning 'to arrange in a particular order'. Over time, the word evolved to also mean 'to get rid of something'. The legal sense of 'dispose' in terms of transferring property or money came into use in the early 17th century. The word has been widely used in waste management, legal, and organizational contexts.

See also: depose, expose, impose, pose, poser, posing, repose, transpose, unposed.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,892 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.