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Phrasal verbs "dish out" vs "divvy out"

Differences between dish out and divvy out

Dish out and divvy out both mean to distribute something among a group of people, but dish out is more commonly used for giving out something negative or unpleasant, while divvy out is used for dividing something equally or fairly.

Meanings and Definitions: dish out vs divvy out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Dish out

  • 1Serve food.

    I DISHED OUT the dinner.

  • 2Give something, usually when you shouldn't.

    Doctors have been DISHING OUT viagra to anyone who asks for it.

  • 3Criticise, when you can't take criticism in return.

    He DISHES it OUT, but gets all hurt when anyone responds.

Divvy out

  • 1Divide, share.

    The waiters and waitresses DIVVY OUT the tips at the end of the night.

Usage Examples: dish out, divvy out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

dish out

Example

She always dishes out generous portions of food.

Example

He dishes out the soup to everyone at the table.

divvy out

Example

We need to divvy out the snacks for the party.

Example

She divvies out the chores among her children.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Dish out

hand out

To distribute something among a group of people by physically giving it to them.

Example

The teacher handed out the test papers to the students.

dole out

To give out something in small amounts or portions, often with reluctance or hesitation.

Example

The government dole out financial aid to low-income families during the pandemic.

lay it on thick

To exaggerate or overemphasize something, often in a way that is insincere or manipulative.

Example

He laid it on thick when he praised his boss's presentation, hoping to get a promotion.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Divvy out

split up

To divide something into smaller parts or portions, often equally or fairly.

Example

The siblings decided to split up their inheritance equally among themselves.

share out

To distribute something among a group of people, often equally or fairly.

Example

The team captain shared out the snacks among the players after the game.

apportion

To divide or allocate something according to a plan or system, often based on specific criteria.

Example

The committee apportioned the budget based on each department's needs and priorities.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “dish”

Phrasal Verbs with “divvy”

Differences in dish out vs divvy out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: dish out or divvy out?

In everyday conversation, dish out is more common than divvy out. This is because dish out is used in a wider range of contexts, such as criticizing someone or assigning tasks, while divvy out is mainly used when dividing something into equal parts. So, while both phrases are used, dish out is more common in daily conversations.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of dish out and divvy out

Dish out and divvy out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of dish out and divvy out

The tone of dish out and divvy out can differ based on context. Dish out often carries a negative or critical tone when related to giving out something unpleasant or criticizing someone, while divvy out typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to dividing something equally or fairly.

dish out & divvy out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Dish out

Synonyms

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