allocate
AL-uh-kayt
/ˈæləkeɪt/
To distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose.
Implies a deliberate decision-making process for distribution, often based on a plan or strategy.
The story behind the word. The word 'allocate' comes from the Latin 'allocare,' which is a combination of 'ad-' (meaning 'to') and 'locare' (meaning 'to place'). So, it literally means 'to place to' or 'to assign to.' This origin perfectly describes the act of deliberately assigning resources to a particular spot or purpose.
Word relationships
- assign: Can be very similar, but 'assign' often implies giving a task or role, while 'allocate' is more about distributing a quantity of something.
- apportion: To divide and distribute proportionally.
- designate: To officially choose someone or something for a specific purpose.
- withhold: To refuse to give something that is due or desired.
- retain: To keep possession of something.
Commonly confused with
- distribute: 'Distribute' is a general term for spreading things out; 'allocate' implies a more deliberate, planned distribution for specific purposes.
Word family
- allocation (noun): The action or process of allocating or distributing something.
- allocator (noun): One who allocates.
Collocations
- allocate funds
- allocate resources
- allocate time
- allocate budget
- properly allocate
Example sentences
- "The company decided to allocate more funds to research and development next quarter." Budgeting and resource management.
- "I need to allocate at least two hours each day to studying for my exams." Time management.
- "The city council will allocate resources to improve public parks and recreation facilities." Government funding.
Memory hook
You 'allocate' resources by 'locating' them to a specific task. Locate for purpose
When not to use
Do not use 'allocate' for simple, undirected giving; it implies a specific purpose or assignment.
Fun facts
- In computer science, 'memory allocation' is a fundamental concept where the operating system assigns blocks of memory to running programs.
Related words
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