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Rationed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rationed

[ˈræʃ.ən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

distribution limitation

Rationed refers to the act of controlling the amount of a particular resource that each individual is allowed to use or consume. This practice often arises during times of scarcity or emergencies, such as during wartime or natural disasters. By implementing rationing, governments or organizations can ensure that essential supplies are distributed evenly among the population. Rationing can apply to food, fuel, and other vital resources, and is often accompanied by specific guidelines or quotas. It is a method used to manage resources in order to stabilize supply and demand.

Synonyms

allocated, distributed, limited, restricted.

Examples of usage

  • During World War II, food was rationed to support the war effort.
  • The government decided to ration water during the drought.
  • Residents were rationed supplies of gasoline due to the fuel crisis.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Rationing became widely known during World War II when countries limited food and materials to ensure enough for military efforts.
  • In the U.S. during WWII, citizens received ration books that allowed them to get specific amounts of limited items like sugar and gasoline.

Social Impact

  • Rationing affected everyday life, making families more creative with meals, often leading to recipes that focused on using available ingredients.
  • It fostered a sense of community as people shared tips on making the most of their rations.

Psychology

  • Studies show that when resources are limited, people may experience anxiety, impacting their mood and social interactions.
  • The act of rationing can lead to behavior changes, such as increased sharing or hoarding, depending on individual responses to scarcity.

Pop Culture

  • Rationing themes have appeared in literature and films, illustrating human resilience and adaptability in tough situations.
  • Popular shows, like 'The Book Thief,' depict the emotional toll of rationing during wartime, highlighting individual stories amid collective hardship.

Origin of 'rationed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ratio,' which means 'calculation' or 'reason,' highlighting the idea of measuring out supplies carefully.
  • It first entered English usage in the 18th century, referring to the portioning out of food during times of scarcity.

The term 'rationed' derives from the noun 'ration', which has its roots in the Latin word 'ratio', meaning 'calculation' or 'reason'. The concept of rationing emerged during the French Revolutionary Wars, as governments sought ways to allocate scarce resources to their military and civilian populations. The practice became more widespread during the 20th century, particularly during World Wars I and II, when global conflicts led to significant shortages of essential goods. Governments imposed rationing systems to ensure fair distribution among all citizens, based on the belief that collective survival outweighed individual consumption. The implementation of rationing often required intricate systems of coupons or tickets, facilitating the control of resources while preventing hoarding. Today, rationing can occur in response to various situations, including natural disasters and public health crises, demonstrating its ongoing relevance in managing scarcity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,319, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.