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redistribution

/ridɪstrɪˈbjuʃɪn/
/ridɪstrɪˈbjuʃən/
IPA guide

Other forms: redistributions

If your boss gives all your coworkers a hundred dollars, but only gives you a nickel, you might ask for a redistribution — another try at dividing things up, and hopefully with more cash for you this time.

Here, the suffix re- means “once more,” and the Latin root of distribute translates to “divide up.” To divide up something one more time, that’s redistribution. Often redistribution refers to money being spread out more evenly so everyone can have the same amount. In a society where the poor keep getting poorer, and the rich have more money than ever, a plan for the redistribution of wealth would be a welcome idea. Unless you’re rich.

Definitions of redistribution
  1. noun
    distributing again
    “the revolution resulted in a redistribution of wealth”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    distribution
    the act of distributing or spreading or apportioning
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