allot

UK: əˈlɒt | US: əˈlɑːt

Definition

  1. vt. to distribute or allocate portions of something

  2. vt. to assign as a share or portion

Structure
al <to, toward (from Latin "ad")>lot <portion, share (from Old English "hlot")>
Etymology

The word "allot" originates from the combination of the Latin prefix "ad-" (meaning "to" or "toward") and the Old English noun "hlot" (meaning "portion" or "share"). Over time, "ad-" assimilated into "al-" before "l," and "hlot" evolved into "lot." The verb "allot" emerged in Middle English, retaining the sense of distributing or assigning portions logically.

Examples

  1. The teacher will allot 15 minutes for each presentation.

  2. The government plans to allot funds for infrastructure projects.

  3. Each team member was allotted specific tasks.

  4. The committee will allot seats based on seniority.

  5. She carefully allotted her time between work and family.