complementary distribution: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “complementary distribution” mean?
A phonological relationship where two variants of a linguistic element occur in mutually exclusive, non-overlapping environments, indicating they are allophones of a single phoneme.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A phonological relationship where two variants of a linguistic element occur in mutually exclusive, non-overlapping environments, indicating they are allophones of a single phoneme.
A more general term in statistics, social sciences, and business to describe two or more elements, services, or phenomena that occur in non-overlapping domains or markets, together covering a complete set without competition or overlap.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The spelling of 'complementary' is consistent. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with academic or technical discourse in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, but standard within its technical domains in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “complementary distribution” in a Sentence
[X] and [Y] are in complementary distribution.There is a complementary distribution between [A] and [B].The concept of complementary distribution explains...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “complementary distribution” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The linguist argued that the two sounds complementarily distribute.
- These services complementarily distribute across the region.
American English
- The analyst showed the products complementarily distribute in the market.
- The variants complementarily distribute based on phonetic context.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The two product lines were placed in complementary distribution, with one targeting urban professionals and the other rural communities, to cover the entire market.
Academic
In phonology, the sounds [p] and [pʰ] are in complementary distribution in English, which is evidence they are not separate phonemes.
Everyday
[Virtually never used in everyday conversation]
Technical
The study demonstrated the complementary distribution of the two mineral types across the geological strata.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “complementary distribution”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “complementary distribution”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “complementary distribution”
- Confusing 'complementary' with 'complimentary' (meaning free or flattering).
- Using the term to mean 'things that go well together' rather than 'things that never occur in the same environment'.
- Assuming elements in complementary distribution are in competition; they are not, they are partners covering different areas.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are opposites. In complementary distribution, variants never occur in the same environment. In free variation, they can occur in the same environment without changing meaning.
Yes, the concept is used in fields like economics, sociology, and ecology to describe elements that occupy separate, non-overlapping niches within a larger system.
It provides evidence that two or more speech sounds are contextual variants (allophones) of a single, underlying phoneme, not distinct phonemes themselves.
No. They are not competitors because they operate in completely separate domains or under different conditions. They often work together to cover all possibilities within a system.
A phonological relationship where two variants of a linguistic element occur in mutually exclusive, non-overlapping environments, indicating they are allophones of a single phoneme.
Complementary distribution is usually technical/academic in register.
Complementary distribution: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ri ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːmpləˈment(ə)ri ˌdɪstrəˈbjuːʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of complementary distribution as two puzzle pieces (like [/p/] and [pʰ]) that fit together to complete one picture (the phoneme /p/), but they never try to occupy the same space in the puzzle.
Conceptual Metaphor
TERRITORIAL AGREEMENT (two entities have neatly divided up the territory and do not trespass on each other's land).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'complementary distribution' primarily indicate in linguistics?