distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.
distributed food to the needy
dispense suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need.
dispensed wisdom to the students
divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.
three charitable groups divided the proceeds
deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.
deal out equipment and supplies
dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.
doled out what little food there was
Example Sentences
Verb It's your turn to deal. Each player is dealt five cards. She was dealt a full house. dealing out the cards for a game of poker The offending players were dealt harsh penalties. She got caught dealing drugs in school. See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun (2), Verb, and Noun (1)
Middle English deel, from Old English dǣl; akin to Old English dāl division, portion, Old High German teil part
Noun (3)
Middle English dele, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, plank; akin to Old High German dili plank — more at thill