noun
dispensation
dihs-pehn-SAY-shuhn
Dispensation (noun) means Official permission to be excused from a rule or obligation that would normally apply. Example: “The bishop granted a special dispensation for the couple to marry outside the church.”
noun
1
Official permission to be excused from a rule or obligation that would normally apply.
"The bishop granted a special dispensation for the couple to marry outside the church."
"She was given a dispensation from the usual attendance requirements due to illness."
2
A system or era in which particular rules, beliefs, or arrangements apply.
"Under the new dispensation, employees can work from home two days a week."
How to use dispensation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn official exception to a rule, or a whole system of rules for a period of time.
Common pairings
grant a dispensation
special dispensation
papal dispensation
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Word forms
- Plural
- dispensations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The bishop granted a special _____ for the couple to marry outside the church.
Etymology
From Old French despensacion, from Latin dispensatio, "a weighing out or management" — related to "dispense".
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dispensation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for dispensation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “dispensation” mean?
The word “dispensation” means official permission to be excused from a rule or obligation that would normally apply. In plain terms, an official exception to a rule, or a whole system of rules for a period of time.
How do you pronounce “dispensation”?
“Dispensation” is pronounced dihs-pehn-SAY-shuhn (/dɪsˌpɛnˈseɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “dispensation” in a sentence?
Here is “dispensation” used in a sentence: “The bishop granted a special dispensation for the couple to marry outside the church.”
What part of speech is “dispensation”?
“Dispensation” is a noun.
Where does the word “dispensation” come from?
The word “dispensation” comes from Latin. From Old French despensacion, from Latin dispensatio, "a weighing out or management" — related to "dispense".
How many meanings does “dispensation” have?
“Dispensation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: official permission to be excused from a rule or obligation that would normally apply.
