equal distribution

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The sharing out of money, goods or resources so that every person or group receives the same amount.

   Grammar: Used without a; often followed by of: equal distribution of wealth.

   Patterns

   • equal distribution of something
   • equal distribution among someone

   The rule requires equal distribution of the prize money among the winners.

   Few countries have achieved equal distribution of wealth.

   The charity aims for equal distribution of food in every village.

2. 2noununcountablemathematicstechnical

   In statistics and science, a spread of values or items that is even across a range or area.

   Grammar: Technical; the values are evenly spread rather than bunched together.

   Patterns

   • equal distribution across something
   • equal distribution of something

   The test assumes an equal distribution of ages in the sample.

   The map shows an equal distribution of trees across the park.

   A fair die produces an equal distribution of results over time.

Common combinations

equal distribution of wealth

Some thinkers argue for equal distribution of wealth.

ensure equal distribution

The committee must ensure equal distribution of funds.

promote equal distribution

Policies should promote equal distribution of resources.

an equal distribution between

There is an equal distribution between men and women on the board.

equal distribution among

They agreed to an equal distribution among all the heirs.

Synonyms and how they differ

even distribution

Even distribution stresses how smoothly things are spread, while equal distribution stresses that the shares are the same size.

fair distribution

Fair distribution means shares that seem just, which may not be identical, unlike equal distribution.

equitable distribution

Equitable distribution means shares that match need or merit, so it is not always equal.

Opposites

Word family

distribute verb

to give out or spread among several people or places

distributor noun

a person or company that supplies goods to shops

distribution noun

the way something is shared or spread

equally adverb

in the same amount or degree

Commonly confused: equal distribution or equitable distribution?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “equal distribution”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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