Disburse, Disperse
Both of these words begin with the prefix dis-, which means "away." One of the words combines the prefix with the root bourse, meaning "purse," to give us the meaning "out of the purse" or "to pay out." The other word combines the prefix with a root that means "to scatter." We use the term to mean just that: to scatter. Read the following examples and then answer the preview questions.
The firm will disburse the profits to its shareholders.
When will the money from the sale of the house be disbursed?
The cats dispersed when they heard the dog bark.
The sun came out and dispersed the clouds.
Which word means "pay out" or "expend"? ________________
Which word means "scatter"? ________________
Disburse is the word meaning "pay out" or "expend." Disperse means "scatter." (Hint: Imagine taking coins out of the top of the open u in disburse.)
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