| Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993. |
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| disburse, disperse (vv.) |
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| These are not exact homophones, although they might easily be confused if heard without helpful context. The medial consonant clusters differ (-sb- and -sp-), and the second element of the first is voiced, whereas the second element of the second is voiceless. Disburse means to “to pay out, to distribute money or other assets,” as in The treasurer had disbursed all available funds. Disperse means “to scatter, to break up, to spread out,” as in The members quickly dispersed and fled the city. | 1 |
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| | | The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. Copyright © 1993 Columbia University Press. |
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