distributive: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “distributive” mean?
Relating to the process of giving or delivering something to a number of recipients or spreading something over an area.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the process of giving or delivering something to a number of recipients or spreading something over an area.
In linguistics and grammar, describing words (e.g., 'each', 'every') that refer to individual members of a group separately. In mathematics (specifically in algebra), referring to the property where multiplying a number by a sum is the same as doing each multiplication separately.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Minor spelling variations can occur in related words (e.g., British 'distributive law' vs. American 'distributive property' in basic math contexts, though both are understood).
Connotations
Identical in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic writing due to the common teaching of the 'distributive property' in mathematics.
Grammar
How to Use “distributive” in a Sentence
[be] + distributive + in + NP (e.g., is distributive in its effects)[be] + distributive + across + NP (e.g., was distributive across the population)distributive + noun (e.g., distributive mechanism)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “distributive” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Note: 'Distributive' is not a verb. The verb form is 'distribute'.]
American English
- [Note: 'Distributive' is not a verb. The verb form is 'distribute'.]
adverb
British English
- [Note: The standard adverb form is 'distributively', e.g., 'The benefits were spread distributively.']
American English
- [Note: The standard adverb form is 'distributively', e.g., 'The property applies distributively.']
adjective
British English
- The distributive law is a fundamental principle in arithmetic.
- They conducted a study on the distributive effects of the new tax code.
American English
- The distributive property is taught in elementary algebra.
- Her research focuses on distributive justice in healthcare systems.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the network and processes involved in getting products from manufacturers to consumers (e.g., 'distributive channels').
Academic
Common in economics (distributive justice), linguistics (distributive pronouns), and mathematics (distributive property).
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when discussing fair division of resources (e.g., 'The distributive fairness of the policy was debated').
Technical
Precise meaning in mathematics (algebraic property) and formal grammar (type of determiner or pronoun).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “distributive”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “distributive”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “distributive”
- Using 'distributive' as a synonym for 'extensive' or 'widespread' (e.g., 'The distributive damage' is incorrect; use 'widespread damage').
- Confusing 'distributive' with 'distributor'. The former is an adjective, the latter a noun.
- Incorrectly using the preposition 'to' instead of 'across' or 'among' (e.g., 'distributive to the members' is less idiomatic than 'distributive among the members').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Distribution' is a noun referring to the act or process of distributing. 'Distributive' is an adjective describing something related to that process or having the quality of distributing.
It is uncommon in casual speech. It is primarily a formal, academic, or technical term found in fields like economics, mathematics, linguistics, and philosophy.
There isn't a single direct opposite property. The concept contrasts with operations that are not distributive, but specific opposing terms might be 'collective' or 'aggregate' in broader contexts, not in formal algebra.
Yes, in advanced grammar, particularly in the description of determiners and pronouns. Words like 'each', 'every', 'either', and 'neither' are often classified as distributive because they refer to individual members of a group.
Relating to the process of giving or delivering something to a number of recipients or spreading something over an area.
Distributive is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Distributive: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈstrɪbjʊtɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈstrɪbjʊtɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'distributive' as the key word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a teacher DISTRIBUTIVE test papers to EACH student individually. The word is about individual distribution within a group.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAIRNESS IS EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION (e.g., 'distributive justice'). LOGIC IS MATHEMATICAL DISTRIBUTION (e.g., 'distributive law').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'distributive' LEAST likely to be used correctly?