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

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."

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

dispensations plural

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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".

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for dispensation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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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.