dispensation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dispensation' is correct and usable in written English.
It generally means the action of giving out something, often money or resources, or the permission to do something. Example sentence: The government passed a new law allowing for a special dispensation for those affected by the recent natural disaster.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Agreement will help bring this about by providing a framework for a new political dispensation which recognises the full and equal legitimacy of our different identities and aspirations.

The Guardian

So, for example, it is possible in Sweden to marry below the age of 18 if given a special dispensation, but this is rare, while in Finland persons under the age of 18 are required to seek permission from the ministry of justice if they wish to enter into marriage.

The Guardian

Connor had hoped to be exempted from the levy – along with other special cases – but her appeal for dispensation was turned down by the island's central bank last week.

The Guardian

Mark Durkan, the party leader, said: 'We were the first party to recognise that a new dispensation would create new possibilities for political realignment, both within the North and across the island.

The Guardian

For Germans, liberalisation comes in more subtle ways, such as the new dispensation for universities and libraries, which will henceforth be allowed to upload "orphaned" works of art on to the internet without permission.

The Guardian

Related: 'Build your own lightsaber' kit could send Star Wars fans into orbit Jobs gave Ive special dispensation to remove himself from public speaking, instead swapping them for appearances in scripted videos.

The Guardian - Tech

Better a monarchy that acts as a buffer than democracy that may strengthen conservatives, they say.Indeed, the greater challenge to the current dispensation has come not from liberals but from the devout.

The Economist

Both the PNP and the opposition agreed to the new dispensation last year; naturally, both now rail against it.

The Economist

By next spring he may be out of power, if not out of politics.A new dispensation should bring some relief, if only because it is hard to imagine anything worse than the current one.

The Economist

The Latvians, for instance, got a last-minute dispensation to catch under-size herring, a local speciality; the Czechs are still fighting hard over the geographical designation of Budweiser beer.Everybody agrees that it would be unseemly if the great "reunification of Europe" were to be overshadowed by ungracious last-minute haggling over money, let alone herring and beer.

The Economist

And worried Britons should remember that former kingdoms such as Bavaria and a recent addition from the east Saxony, both now Länder, have as great a sense of historic identity as Scotland, and (even compared with Scotland's coming dispensation) much more constitutional power.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dispensation" when referring to a formal exemption or a specific system of governance or distribution. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean a special allowance or a broader societal arrangement.

Common error

Avoid using "dispensation" when a simpler word like "permission" or "exemption" would suffice. "Dispensation" carries a formal tone and should be reserved for contexts where that formality is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The noun "dispensation" primarily functions as a formal term to describe a system of governance, distribution, or a specific exemption from a rule. Ludwig shows examples ranging from political arrangements to religious doctrines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dispensation" is a grammatically sound noun with multiple meanings related to distribution, governance, and exemptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. With a high frequency of use in news and formal business contexts, it's important to ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to a system or a specific allowance. Consider alternatives like "exemption" or "waiver" in less formal settings. Remember, using simpler terms contributes to clear communication. According to Ludwig, this term is used authoritatively, especially in publications like The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exemption

Focuses specifically on being freed from an obligation or duty.

waiver

Implies a voluntary relinquishment of a right or claim.

exception

Highlights a deviation from a general rule or norm.

special permission

Emphasizes the act of being granted authorization for something.

allowance

Suggests a degree of freedom or liberty granted.

arrangement

Refers to an agreement or understanding regarding how something is handled or distributed.

system

Implies a structured order or method.

order

Indicates a particular social or political structure.

administration

Relates to the management and distribution of resources or power.

regulation

Denotes a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

FAQs

How can I use "dispensation" in a sentence?

You can use "dispensation" to refer to a specific system or order, as in "the Christian dispensation", or to mean an exemption or special allowance, as in "He received a special dispensation to work from home".

What's the difference between "exemption" and "dispensation"?

"Exemption" generally means being freed from a rule or obligation. "Dispensation" can also mean this, but it can also refer to a system or order of things, which "exemption" does not cover.

What can I say instead of "dispensation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "exemption", "waiver", "exception", or "special permission".

Is "dispensation" a formal word?

Yes, "dispensation" is generally considered a formal word. It is often used in legal, religious, or political contexts. More informal terms may be more appropriate in casual settings.