Distribute - distribution (pronunciation)

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The verb 'to distribute' and its related noun distribution (normally non-count) form, like contribute and contribution an example of the way in which stress can vary between different word classes with the same root.

  • The traditional RP stress in the verb is on the the second syllable: 'dis-TRIB-yoot' (IPA: /dɪ ˈstrɪb juːt/). There is a tendency nowadays to use a pattern with the stress on the first syllable (/ˈdɪ strɪb juːt/): although "disliked by many" (LPD), it was preferred by 26% in a 1988 poll of British speakers. 74% preferred the traditional second syllable stress, which is the only pronunciation recorded in OED (1896): you are recommended to use this pronunciation in Higher Education.
  • All speakers stress the third syllable in distribution: 'dis-trib-YOU-shun' (IPA: /ˌdɪ strɪb ˈjuː ʃən/).

As well as Contribute - contribution (pronunciation), you might also like to see Attribute - attribution (pronunciation).