Allocate
To divide and distribute resources, time, or duties for a specific purpose or among recipients; to designate something for a particular use.
verbAllocate
To divide and distribute resources, time, or duties for a specific purpose or among recipients; to designate something for a particular use.
verbImagine This
Imagine a city budget meeting where the mayor reviews a large pile of funds and carefully allocates dollars to streets, schools, and parks, clearly labeling each portion for its use.
Sounds Like
ˈæl.ə.keɪt (AL-uh-kayt)
Looks Like
looks like 'allot' (to assign portions); both words involve distributing portions, with allocate being the more formal term
Remember This
Originates from Latin allocare meaning to place toward (ad 'to' + locare 'to place'); in budgeting and project planning, allocate is the formal standard for designating portions of resources.
Other Forms
Connect With
assign, apportion, allot, designate, earmark
Note
Use allocate with resources, time, or tasks. It is transitive (you allocate something to someone or something) and often followed by 'to' or 'for' (e.g., allocate funds to departments, allocate time for a task). Do not confuse with 'allot,' which is less formal and may imply a more general distribution.