Allotment: meaning, definitions and examples

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allotment

[əˈlɒtmənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

land

A portion of land assigned to a person for cultivation or a specific purpose.

Synonyms

parcel, patch, plot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
allotment	Refers to a piece of land given or allocated, often for agricultural use, commonly in community gardening or urban farming. It generally implies a formal or official division. She received an allotment from the city to grow vegetables.
plot	Refers to a piece of land used for a specific purpose, commonly in agricultural or residential contexts. It implies a deliberate division intended for use such as growing plants or building a structure. They decided to buy a plot of land to build their dream home.
parcel	Refers to a specific, usually rectangular, piece of land which can be for various purposes like constructing a building or as a part of a larger property. It has a sense of being a unit or section within larger land holdings. They bought a small parcel of land outside the city.
patch	Refers to a small area of land, typically minimally adorned or with mixed characteristics. Often used informally and can imply something small or not well-defined. There is a patch of wildflowers at the end of the garden.

Examples of usage

The government provided allotments to the farmers for growing crops.
She inherited an allotment from her grandfather where she grows vegetables.
The allotment was divided among the community members for gardening purposes.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

time

A specified amount of time allocated for a particular activity or task.

Synonyms

allocation, limit, quota.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
allotment	Used when referring to a portion or share of something, often property or land, that has been distributed or apportioned. This can also be used in more formal contexts. The city's allotment of funds was distributed among various departments. Each employee received an allotment of stocks as part of the company’s incentive plan.
allocation	Commonly used in both financial and operational settings when resources, such as time, money, or materials, are distributed for specific purposes. The allocation of the budget for the new project will be discussed in the next meeting. Proper allocation of tasks can improve the team's efficiency.
quota	Generally used in contexts where a specific, often numeric, target or goal must be reached, such as in sales or production. It usually implies a mandatory or expected amount. The team needs to meet its sales quota by the end of the month. Import quotas have been set to control the number of foreign goods entering the country.
limit	Used to describe the maximum or minimum amount, extent, or degree of something that is allowed or possible. Often carries a restrictive or boundary-setting connotation. There is a limit to how much information you can store on this device. We need to set a limit on the number of guests for the event.

Examples of usage

Each student has an allotment of 30 minutes to complete the test.
They have a strict allotment of time for each presentation during the conference.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'allotment' dates back to the 17th century, originating from the word 'allot', which means to distribute or assign.
In the 19th century, allotments became popular in England as a way for people to grow food during economic hardships.
During World War II, allotments were encouraged to support self-sufficiency and boost food production in urban areas.

Cultural Significance

Allotments are seen today as a way to foster community spirit, with many people sharing tips and enjoying social events on their plots.
In some cultures, particularly in Europe, allotment gardening is a cherished pastime that promotes sustainable living and healthy eating.
Community gardens, often similar to allotments, have gained popularity, uniting diverse individuals through a shared love of gardening.

Environmental Impact

Gardening in allotments helps improve local biodiversity by providing habitats for various species.
Using organic practices on allotments can reduce the carbon footprint of growing food compared to large-scale agriculture.
People who garden in allotments often report better mental health, thanks to the therapeutic nature of working with plants and nature.

Educational Value

Allotments serve as excellent educational tools for teaching children about plants, nature, and where food comes from.
They're used in schools to promote environmental education, helping students learn about sustainability and nutrition.
Community workshops often take place on allotments, focusing on skills like composting, seed-saving, and pest management.

Current Trends

In recent years, there has been a shift towards urban allotments, as city dwellers seek to connect with nature and grow their own food.
The rise of 'victory gardens' during the COVID-19 pandemic saw a resurgence in interest in personal allotments for self-sufficiency.
Many cities now track the growth of community gardens and allotment spaces as part of urban planning for sustainable development.

Translations

Translations of the word "allotment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atribuição

🇮🇳 आवंटन

🇩🇪 Zuteilung

🇮🇩 pembagian

🇺🇦 виділення

🇵🇱 przydział

🇯🇵 割り当て

🇫🇷 attribution

🇪🇸 asignación

🇹🇷 tahsis

🇰🇷 할당

🇸🇦 تخصيص

🇨🇿 přidělení

🇸🇰 pridelenie

🇨🇳 分配

🇸🇮 dodelitev

🇮🇸 úthlutun

🇰🇿 бөлу

🇬🇪 გადანაწილება

🇦🇿 paylama

🇲🇽 asignación

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,131 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8128 restless
8129 algebra
8130 memorable
8131 allotment
8132 watershed
8133 caps
8134 pest
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