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verb Uncommon

dispose

dih-SPOHZ

Dispose (verb) means to get rid of something (usually with 'of'). Example: “Please dispose of your litter in the bins provided.”

verb
1
To get rid of something (usually with 'of').
"Please dispose of your litter in the bins provided."
"The company disposed of its older equipment before the move."
2
To arrange or place things in a particular order.
"The general disposed his troops along the ridge."
3
To make someone inclined or willing to feel or act a certain way.
"A good night's sleep disposed her to be more patient that morning."

How to use dispose

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo get rid of something, arrange things, or make someone inclined toward a feeling.

Common pairings
dispose of waste well disposed dispose of an item

Word forms

disposed past tense, disposes singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Please _____ of your litter in the bins provided.

Etymology

Borrowed from French disposer, ultimately from Latin disponere, "to arrange."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for dispose

See all rhymes for dispose →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dispose” mean?

The word “dispose” means to get rid of something (usually with 'of'). In plain terms, to get rid of something, arrange things, or make someone inclined toward a feeling.

How do you pronounce “dispose”?

“Dispose” is pronounced dih-SPOHZ (/dɪsˈpoʊz/ in IPA).

How do you use “dispose” in a sentence?

Here is “dispose” used in a sentence: “Please dispose of your litter in the bins provided.”

What is another word for “dispose”?

Words with a similar meaning to “dispose” include incline and discard.

What is the opposite of “dispose”?

The opposite of “dispose” — its antonyms — are indispose and disincline.

What part of speech is “dispose”?

“Dispose” is a verb.

Where does the word “dispose” come from?

The word “dispose” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French disposer, ultimately from Latin disponere, "to arrange.".

Is “dispose” a common word?

“Dispose” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial