Redistributing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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redistributing

[ˌriːdɪsˈtrɪbjuːtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social policy

Redistributing refers to the act of distributing something again or in a different way, often in a context related to social policy or economics. It typically involves the allocation of resources, wealth, or benefits in a manner intended to be more equitable or fair among a population.

Synonyms

reallocating, reassigning, reorganizing.

Examples of usage

  • The government is focused on redistributing wealth to support low-income families.
  • Many advocates argue for redistributing resources to address social inequalities.
  • Redistributing land ownership has been a significant political issue.
  • The charity aims at redistributing food to those in need.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Redistributing wealth can help reduce economic inequality, ensuring everyone has access to basic needs.
  • Policies like progressive taxation are often designed to redistribute wealth from the rich to the poor through government programs.
  • In economics, the term also applies to the allocation of resources in ways that can benefit disadvantaged groups.

Social Justice

  • Many social movements advocate for redistributing resources to address historical inequalities and systemic discrimination.
  • Redistribution is seen as a way to empower marginalized communities by providing them with tools and resources for success.
  • Advocates argue that a fair distribution of resources is essential for a just society, influencing policies worldwide.

Environmental Studies

  • In sustainability discussions, redistributing land or resources can support conservation efforts and empower local communities.
  • Efforts to redistribute agricultural resources can help improve food security and support local farmers.
  • Environmental justice movements often focus on redistributing access to natural resources and protecting vulnerable populations.

Technology

  • In the digital realm, redistributing bandwidth or computing resources can enhance collaboration and equality among users.
  • Open-source software is an example of redistributing technology freely for everyone to use and improve upon.
  • Cloud computing has introduced new ways to redistribute resources, allowing for flexible data and application sharing.

Origin of 'redistributing'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Redistributing' comes from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'distribute' which means 'to share out'.
  • The root 'distribute' has Latin origins from 'distribuere', where 'dis-' means apart and 'tribuere' means to assign.
  • The word has been used in economic discussions to refer to wealth and resources since the early 20th century.

The word 'redistributing' is derived from the prefix 're-', meaning again, and the word 'distribute', which originates from the Latin 'distributus', the past participle of 'distribuere', meaning to divide or share out. The Latin roots break down into 'dis-' (apart) and 'tribuere' (to allocate). The morphological structure of the word facilitates its function in various contexts, particularly in discussions about economic policy and social equity. As the concept of redistribution gained prominence in the twentieth century, particularly with the rise of welfare states and debates about wealth and income inequality, the term became more frequently used in political discourse. The implementation of various redistribution policies reflected a broader societal shift towards addressing disparities and promoting social justice.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,055, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.