Allotted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🔢
allotted
[əˈlɒtɪd ]
Definition
assigned amount
The word 'allotted' refers to something that has been distributed or assigned to a particular person or purpose. It indicates a designated portion or share that has been officially given to someone. This term often appears in contexts involving resources, time, or responsibilities. For instance, a teacher may have given each student an allotted time to complete an exam. The usage implies a sense of organization and planning in the distribution process.
Synonyms
allocated, apportioned, assigned, designated, distributed.
Examples of usage
- Each team member has an allotted task to complete.
- She was given an allotted time to speak during the meeting.
- The budget includes an allotted amount for each department.
- He used his allotted vacation days wisely.
- The charity received an allotted sum to distribute among the beneficiaries.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often discuss themes of fate, with portions of their destinies 'allotted' to them by fortune.
- The concept of being 'allotted' a fate or role is a common theme in classic literature, symbolizing control versus chance.
- Modern narratives often explore how resources are 'allotted' among characters, affecting conflicts and resolutions in storytelling.
Philosophy
- Philosophical discussions about fairness often include the idea of how resources and opportunities are 'allotted' in society.
- The debate over social justice frequently involves questions about what should be 'allotted' to individuals based on merit versus need.
- The concept of an 'allotted' time for discussion or contemplation is central to many philosophical practices, emphasizing the importance of allocated moments for reflection.
Law
- Legal proceedings often involve how federal funds are 'allotted' to different states, reflecting priorities and needs.
- In property law, land can be 'allotted' to individuals, specifying ownership and rights, which is crucial for real estate transactions.
- Inheritance law discusses how assets are 'allotted' among heirs, often guided by wills or state laws.
Education
- In classrooms, time is often 'allotted' for group projects, emphasizing the need for collaboration.
- Academic resources, such as funding or materials, may be 'allotted' based on student needs, impacting educational equity.
- Curricula often determine how much time is 'allotted' to various subjects, affecting what students learn the most.
Origin of 'allotted'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the past participle of 'allot', which comes from the Old French word 'alotir', meaning to assign or assign a portion.
- The prefix 'all-' indicates 'entirely' or 'completely', while 'lot' refers to a share or portion.
- The word has been in use in the English language since the late 14th century, showing its long-standing importance.
The term 'allotted' originates from the verb 'allot', which comes from the Middle English 'alot', derived from the Old French 'alotter' meaning 'to assign'. The Old French term is based on the Latin 'allotare', where 'ad-' means 'to' and 'lotare' translates as 'to divide by lot'. In earlier uses, 'allot' implied a sense of portioning out something by chance or by means of an agreement. The evolution of the word has positioned it firmly within the contexts of distribution and assignment in the English language. By the 15th century, the modern usage of 'allot' and its inflected form 'allotted' became established, reflecting the growing emphasis on structured allocation of resources and responsibilities in various fields.