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Redistribute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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redistribute

re-dis-trib-ute

🇺🇸 /ˌɹidɪˈstɹɪbjut/ · 🇬🇧 /ɹˌiːdɪstɹˈɪbjuːt/

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

economics

To distribute something again, usually in a different way. It can refer to wealth, resources, or power being redistributed among a group of people.

Synonyms

reallocate, reassign, redivide.

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Word Description / Examples
redistribute

Used when something is being given out or shared again, especially money or resources, often implying a more fair or balanced division.

  • The government plans to redistribute wealth through tax reforms.
  • After the company merger, they had to redistribute responsibilities among departments.
reallocate

Generally used when moving or assigning resources, duties, or people to a new or different place or purpose, often within an organization or project.

  • The project manager decided to reallocate the budget to maximize efficiency.
  • Funds were reallocated from the marketing department to the research team.
reassign

Used when specific tasks, duties, or people are moved to a different role or position, usually within an organization.

  • After the restructuring, she was reassigned to a new department.
  • The teacher reassigned the students to different study groups.
redivide

Typically used in more formal or technical language to describe changing how something is divided, often implying a more systematic approach.

  • The city planners decided to redivide the district boundaries for better management.
  • They had to redivide the land after the dispute was settled.

Examples of usage

  • The government decided to redistribute wealth through higher taxes on the rich.
  • After the revolution, the land was redistributed among the peasants.
  • The company's profits are redistributed among its shareholders.
  • The charity aims to redistribute resources to those in need.
  • The organization wants to redistribute power to marginalized communities.

Translations

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Quick facts about “redistribute”

Redistribute is a 4-syllable verb (re-dis-trib-ute). It is pronounced /ˌɹidɪˈstɹɪbjut/ in American English and /ɹˌiːdɪstɹˈɪbjuːt/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #23,090 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“redistribute” in economics

  • Redistribution often refers to economic policies aimed at reducing inequalities by adjusting how resources are allocated.
  • Many welfare programs are designed to redistribute wealth by providing financial assistance to those in need.
  • Taxation systems that collect more from the wealthy to support public services can be seen as a form of redistribution.

“redistribute” in social justice

  • The concept plays a crucial role in debates about social equity, advocating for fair access to resources, opportunities, and privileges.
  • Activists argue that effective redistribution can help address systemic disparities in education, healthcare, and housing.
  • Many grassroots organizations focus on redistributing food and other essentials to underserved communities.

“redistribute” in environmental science

  • In ecological terms, redistribution can refer to the balance of species in an ecosystem when habitats are restored or changed.
  • Many conservation efforts aim to redistribute resources in natural systems to ensure biodiversity and ecological health.
  • The idea of ‘resource redistribution’ also applies to sustainable practices in communities, promoting the sharing of renewable resources.

“redistribute” in literature

  • Redistribution often appears as a theme in literature to discuss societal changes, class struggle, and the quest for equality.
  • Classic works by authors such as Charles Dickens highlight the stark contrasts in wealth and the need for redistributive change.
  • Modern fiction frequently explores the emotional and social ramifications of redistribution in the context of global crises.

Origin of 'redistribute'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin roots 'red-' meaning 'again' and 'distribuere' meaning 'to divide or share'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, highlighting its long-standing relevance in discussions about fairness.
  • The prefix 're-' suggests repetition, indicating that something is being shared or divided anew.

The word 'redistribute' originates from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and the verb 'distribute' meaning 'to divide among'. It first appeared in the late 18th century in English, reflecting the idea of reallocating or apportioning something in a different manner.

See also: distributable, distributing, distribution, distributor, distributors, redistribution, undistributed.

Rhymes

Redistribute rhymes with contribute, tribute and distribute.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,090, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.