noun

dispensation

dihs-pehn-SAY-shuhn

noun

Official permission to be excused from a rule or obligation that would normally apply.

"The bishop granted a special dispensation for the couple to marry outside the church."

"She was given a dispensation from the usual attendance requirements due to illness."

A system or era in which particular rules, beliefs, or arrangements apply.

"Under the new dispensation, employees can work from home two days a week."

How to Use Dispensation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn official exception to a rule, or a whole system of rules for a period of time.

Common pairings

grant a dispensation special dispensation papal dispensation

dispensations plural

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The bishop granted a special _____ for the couple to marry outside the church.

From Old French despensacion, from Latin dispensatio, "a weighing out or management" — related to "dispense".

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