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Apportioning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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apportioning

[əˈpɔː.ʃənɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal term

Apportioning is the act of dividing or distributing something among multiple parties according to a particular plan or formula. It is often used in the context of allocating resources, responsibilities, or costs.

Synonyms

allocate, assign, distribute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allocate

Used when specifying a certain amount of resources, time, or responsibilities is being set aside for a specific purpose or task.

  • We need to allocate more funds to the marketing department
  • The project manager will allocate tasks to each team member
distribute

Refers to the act of spreading or delivering items, resources, or information to multiple recipients. This term can be used in various contexts including logistics, marketing, and charity.

  • Volunteers will distribute food to those in need
  • The manager will distribute the new equipment to each department
assign

Commonly used when giving a specific job, duty, or responsibility to someone. This term is frequently used in both educational and professional settings.

  • The teacher will assign homework to the students
  • The HR department will assign new duties to the staff

Examples of usage

  • The judge will apportion the estate among the heirs based on the will.
  • The company apportioned the project budget according to each department's needs.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In finance, apportioning refers to the distribution of costs or revenues among various departments or projects.
  • Businesses often use apportioning to allocate expenses accurately for better budgeting and financial oversight.
  • This concept helps in ensuring transparency in financial reporting by making sure all parts of a business report their fair share.

Psychology

  • The way resources are apportioned can influence social behavior and group dynamics, affecting cooperation.
  • Studies show that fair apportioning tends to result in higher satisfaction and positive group relationships.
  • Perceptions of unfair apportioning can lead to conflicts and dissatisfaction within teams or societies.

Education

  • In classroom settings, teachers often talk about apportioning tasks among students to promote teamwork.
  • Educational resources, like funding or materials, are frequently apportioned to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
  • Apportioning group work can enhance learning outcomes as it encourages collaboration and shared responsibility.

History

  • Throughout history, leaders have had to apportion land and resources, often leading to conflicts or treaties.
  • The concept played a critical role during the redistribution of wealth in various societies, shaping economies.
  • In ancient times, successful apportioning of harvests could determine the survival of communities during famines.

Origin of 'apportioning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'apportioner', which meant to share or distribute.
  • It is derived from Latin 'apportio', meaning to divide into parts, reflecting a long history of sharing resources.
  • The prefix 'a-' implies action, while 'portion' points to sections, showing the dynamic of division.

The word 'apportioning' originated from the Middle French word 'apportionner', which means to divide into portions. It entered the English language in the 16th century and has been used in legal contexts to refer to the fair distribution of assets or responsibilities ever since.

See also: apportionable, apportionment, misapportion.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,752, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.