dispensation
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
Official permission to be exempt from a rule or obligation; a system of order or government, especially one ordained by God.
The action of distributing or providing something; a particular arrangement or system under which something operates; a religious or historical system of governance (e.g., the Mosaic dispensation).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In religious contexts, it often refers to a divinely appointed period or system (e.g., 'the old dispensation'). In secular formal use, it centres on official exemption ('grant a dispensation'). The distribution sense is less common today.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties with the same core meanings. British usage may be slightly more frequent in formal and ecclesiastical contexts.
Connotations
Equally formal in both dialects.
Frequency
Low frequency in general, but consistent across both varieties in formal registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
dispensation from [rule/law/requirement]dispensation of [grace/justice]dispensation for [purpose/person]under a/the dispensationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “under the old dispensation”
- “a new dispensation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used for formal exemptions from regulations or contract terms (e.g., 'The regulator granted a dispensation from the filing deadline.').
Academic
Used in theology, history, and law to denote a system or an official exemption (e.g., 'the Mosaic dispensation', 'a dispensation from ethical review').
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in formal news contexts ('The school received a dispensation to admit more pupils.').
Technical
Used in canon law (papal dispensation), pharmacy (dispensation of medicines - though 'dispensing' is more common), and theological systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The authority can dispense with formal hearings.
American English
- The pharmacist will dispense the medication.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He needed a special dispensation to join the course.
- The government granted a dispensation from the usual visa requirements for the delegation.
- The theologian wrote extensively on the shift from the old to the new covenant dispensation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DISPENSER giving out permission: a DISPENSATION dispenses you from following a rule.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERMISSION IS A GIFT/RELEASE (granted, given); A SYSTEM IS A CONTAINER (under a new dispensation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'распределение' (distribution). The primary meaning is 'освобождение, разрешение' (exemption). 'Диспенсация' is a false friend and not a standard translation.
- Avoid translating as 'диспансация' (dispensary).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'dispensation' (noun) with 'dispense' (verb). Incorrectly using 'dispensation of' for 'dispensation from'. Using it in informal contexts where 'permission' or 'exemption' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In a theological context, 'dispensation' most likely refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency, formal word, mostly used in legal, religious, and official contexts.
A dispensation is an official, often formal or authoritative, permission to be exempt. An exception is a more general case that does not follow the rule, not necessarily involving permission.
Historically, yes (related to 'dispense'), but this meaning is now archaic and rarely used. The primary modern meanings are 'exemption' and 'religious system'.
Use 'from' for exemption ('dispensation from a rule'). Use 'of' for the archaic distribution sense ('dispensation of justice'). Use 'under' for system ('under the old dispensation').