Portioning: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when talking about dividing food or resources into portions for individual use or consumption.

• The chef is portioning the soup into bowls
• They are portioning the ingredients for the recipe

Often used in formal or technical contexts to refer to the assignment of resources or duties, usually in a structured or planned way.

• The allocation of funds for the project was completed last week
• The manager is responsible for the allocation of tasks among the team

Usually refers to the process of dividing something into parts, and can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

• The division of labor among workers increased efficiency
• The division of the land among the heirs was a complicated process

Commonly used when talking about spreading goods, resources, or information over a large area or among many people.

• The company specializes in the distribution of electronics
• The distribution of aid to the victims was handled by the Red Cross

Typically used when talking about dividing food or other items into smaller parts, especially in a methodical or precise manner.

• The cook is portioning the soup into bowls for the guests.
• During the camping trip, we were portioning the supplies to ensure everyone had enough.

Often used in formal or planning contexts, especially when dealing with resources, budget, time, or tasks. It suggests deliberate and thoughtful distribution based on need or priority.

• The manager is responsible for the allocation of tasks among team members.
• Government allocation of funds to education has increased this year.

Used when referring to separating something into parts, often implying equality or fair division. It can have a mathematical context or refer to separating groups of people or things.

• The division of the inheritance among the siblings was done fairly.
• In mathematics, division is one of the basic operations.

General term used when referring to spreading or dispersing things over a wide area or to many recipients. Commonly used in supply chain, logistics, or spreading information.

• The distribution of medical supplies to remote areas is crucial during a pandemic.
• The company handles the distribution of their products through various channels.

Use this term when referring to dividing something into specific, often equal, portions. It is commonly used in culinary settings.

• The chef is portioning the cake into eight equal pieces
• For meal prep, I spent Sunday portioning out my meals for the week

This word is suitable when separating something into parts or groups. It can be used in both informal and formal settings and does not necessarily imply equal parts.

• Let's divide the tasks so we can finish faster
• The river divides the city into two distinct areas

Use 'distribute' when you want to refer to handing out or spreading something to a group of people or over a large area. It's more general and can apply to various contexts.

• The organization will distribute food and water to the disaster victims
• After printing the materials, we will distribute them to all the participants

This word is best used in formal or professional settings when referring to the organized distribution of resources, tasks, or responsibilities.

• The manager will allocate the budget to different departments
• We need to allocate tasks to each team member to ensure efficiency