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Allocated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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allocated

[ˈæləkeɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

computing

Distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose.

Synonyms

apportion, assign, distribute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assign

Utilized when giving a specific task or responsibility to someone. This word is commonly used in educational or workplace settings.

  • The teacher assigned homework to be completed by Monday.
  • He was assigned to lead the new project.
apportion

Often used when dividing something among several people or groups, usually something intangible like responsibilities or costs. It has a somewhat formal tone.

  • The company needs to apportion the costs of the new software among different departments.
  • Responsibilities for the event were apportioned based on expertise.
distribute

Best used when you are giving out items, goods, or resources to several people or places. It can also be used in a more casual or physical context.

  • They distributed food to the flood victims.
  • The charity distributed clothes to the homeless.

Examples of usage

  • The memory is allocated dynamically at run time.
  • The task of allocating resources efficiently is crucial for the performance of the system.
Context #2 | Verb

finance

Set aside or earmark (money or resources) for a specific purpose.

Synonyms

allocate, allot, budget.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allocated

This is the past tense of 'allocate'. Use this word when you are referring to resources that have already been assigned for a particular purpose.

  • The funds were allocated to various departments last month.
  • The project has been allocated additional resources.
allocate

When you need to assign resources, such as time, money, or space, for a specific purpose or task, you use 'allocate'.

  • The company decided to allocate more funds to the marketing department.
  • Each team member was allocated specific tasks to complete the project.
allot

This word is similar to 'allocate', but often used when distributing a fixed amount among a number of people or tasks, usually implying equal shares.

  • Each participant was allotted ten minutes to present their ideas.
  • The teacher allotted each student an equal amount of study materials.
budget

Use 'budget' when planning or setting limits on how much money can be spent over a specific period of time or for a particular project.

  • We need to budget our expenses carefully for the next quarter.
  • The organization has a limited budget for new equipment.

Examples of usage

  • Funds were allocated for the new project.
  • The company allocated a budget for marketing activities.
Context #3 | Adjective

general

Distributed or designated for a specific purpose.

Synonyms

assigned, designated, specific.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allocated

This word is often used in the context of distributing resources, time, or money for specific purposes, especially in formal or official settings.

  • The budget for the new project was allocated by the finance committee.
  • She allocated her time efficiently to complete her tasks.
designated

This word is suitable for indicating that something or someone has been chosen for a particular purpose or role. It often implies an official or formal appointment.

  • He was designated as the team leader.
  • That area is designated for customer parking.
assigned

Use this word when talking about giving someone a task, duty, or role. It can also refer to assigning a specific value or number to something.

  • The manager assigned the report to me.
  • Each student was assigned a number for the test.
specific

This word is used to describe something that is clearly defined or particular. It often contrasts with something general or vague.

  • She asked for a specific brand of coffee.
  • The instructions were very specific, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Examples of usage

  • An allocated seating arrangement.
  • Each team member has their allocated tasks.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In economics, allocation involves distributing scarce resources among competing uses.
  • There are various types of allocation such as fixed, flexible, and optimal, each suited for different situations.
  • Market allocation can lead to efficiency, as resources can be directed where they are most valued.

Technology

  • In computer science, memory allocation refers to assigning specific amounts of computer memory to different programs.
  • Dynamic memory allocation allows programs to request memory from the operating system as needed, improving efficiency.
  • Resource allocation in cloud computing involves managing and distributing computational resources effectively across multiple users.

Management

  • In project management, allocating tasks to team members ensures efficient workflow and utilization of skills.
  • Budget allocation is crucial for organizations, determining how funds are distributed to various departments or projects.
  • Strategic allocation promotes better decision-making, allowing organizations to adjust based on changing needs.

Psychology

  • Human attention allocation is a significant principle in psychology, focusing on how we distribute our mental resources.
  • Cognitive load theory suggests that efficient allocation of attention improves learning and problem-solving.
  • Prioritizing tasks often involves understanding how to allocate time and focus to maximize productivity.

Origin of 'allocated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'allocare', which means 'to assign' or 'to place'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, highlighting the formal act of sharing resources.
  • Related terms include 'allocation' and 'allocator', which further expand its use in economics and project management.

The word 'allocated' comes from the Latin word 'allocatus', which is the past participle of 'allocare', meaning 'to place, to put in position'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century and has evolved to encompass the idea of distributing resources or duties for a specific purpose.

See also: allocatable, allocate, allocating, allocation, misallocate, reallocate, reallocation, unallocated, underallocation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,868, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.