Allotment: Definition, Synonyms, & How to Use It

By Team ABJ

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An allotment refers to a portion or share of something that is given to someone. It’s like dividing something, such as land, money, time, or resources, into smaller parts and then assigning those parts to different people or purposes. It’s a way of distributing or allocating things fairly among individuals or groups. For example, in gardening, an allotment could refer to a plot of land divided among different people to grow their own plants or vegetables.

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Meaning and definition of allotment

The word “allotment” has several meanings and can be used in various contexts:

1. Distribution or Allocation: Allotment refers to the act of distributing or assigning a portion or share of something to individuals or groups. This could include land, money, time, resources, tasks, or responsibilities.

2. Assigned Portion: It can indicate a specific portion or share that has been allocated for a particular purpose or person. For instance, an allotment of time might refer to a specific duration allocated for a task.

3. Designated Area of Land: In certain contexts, an allotment refers to a plot of land that’s specifically designated for a particular use, like gardening or agriculture. People might have individual allotments within a larger piece of land for cultivating their crops or plants.

4. Official Allocation: Allotment can also be an official distribution or allocation, often carried out by an authority or organization. For instance, in the context of government, an allotment might refer to the distribution of funds to various departments or programs.

How to pronounce allotment?

The pronunciation of “allotment” is: uh-LOT-muhnt.

Here’s a syllable breakdown:

  • uh (short vowel sound)
  • LOT (rhymes with “cot” or “got”)
  • muhnt (ending with a soft “uh” sound, similar to the “munt” in “moment”)

So, when you say it all together, it sounds like “uh-LOT-muhnt.”

Synonyms and Antonyms of allotment

Here are some synonyms and antonyms for the word “allotment”:

Synonyms (words with similar meanings):

  • Allocation
  • Assignment
  • Distribution
  • Apportionment
  • Division
  • Portion
  • Share
  • Dispensation
  • Quota
  • Slice
  • Split
  • Part

Antonyms (words with opposite meanings):

  • Misappropriation
  • Seizure
  • Encroachment
  • Collection
  • Accumulation
  • Concentration
  • Whole
  • Lump sum
  • Aggregation
  • Gather
  • Totality
  • Lump
  • Mass

Examples of ‘allotment’ in sentences

  • Each student was given a specific allotment of time to complete the exam.
  • The government’s allotment of funds for education increased this year.
  • She received a small allotment of land to cultivate her vegetables.
  • The company’s annual budget includes an allotment for research and development.
  • The council decided to increase the allotment of resources to support local charities.
  • The teacher divided the project into sections and provided an equal allotment of tasks to each group.
  • His daily allotment of screen time was restricted by his parents.
  • The city council offers individual allotments for residents interested in community gardening.
  • After careful consideration, the committee made a fair allotment of responsibilities among its members.
  • The allotted time for the presentation was insufficient to cover all the important points.

Related terms and phrases to allotment

Related terms and phrases to “allotment” often revolve around concepts of distribution, allocation, division, or sharing resources. Here are some related terms and phrases:

  1. Allocation: Similar to allotment, it refers to the act of assigning or distributing resources, duties, or funds for specific purposes.
  2. Apportionment: This term refers to the act of dividing something among several individuals or groups according to a plan or criteria.
  3. Assignment: Involves the allocation of specific tasks or responsibilities to individuals.
  4. Distribution: The process of giving out or spreading something among multiple recipients or areas.
  5. Division: Refers to the act of dividing or splitting something into parts, often distributed among different entities.
  6. Portion: Denotes a part or share of something that has been divided or allocated.
  7. Share: Represents an individual’s part or portion of something that is divided or distributed among others.
  8. Quota: Specifies a particular share or portion of something that is assigned or allocated for a specific purpose or group.

Rhyming words with allotment

Here are some words that rhyme with “allotment”:

  • Contentment
  • Basement
  • Supplement
  • Agreement
  • Testament
  • Government
  • Ornament
  • Sentiment
  • Cement
  • Statement

These words share a similar ending sound with “allotment,” making them rhyming words.

What are the other forms of ‘allotment’?

The word “allotment” can take on various forms depending on its usage in different contexts. Here are the different forms of “allotment” along with explanations and examples:

1. Allot (verb): This is the base form of the word, used as a verb to describe the action of allocating or distributing something.

  • Explanation: To allot means to assign or distribute a portion of something to someone or for a specific purpose.

Example sentences:

  • “The teacher will allot fifteen minutes for the presentation.”
  • “The company will allot shares to its employees as part of the benefits package.”

2. Allotted (past tense/past participle of the verb “allot”): It refers to something that has been assigned or distributed in the past.

  • Explanation: Allotted is the past tense or past participle form of allot, indicating that something has already been allocated or distributed to someone or for a particular purpose.

Example sentences:

  • “Each student was allotted a specific amount of time to complete the assignment.”
  • “The budget for the project was already allotted last month.”

3. Allottee (noun): It represents the person or entity to whom something has been allocated or assigned.

  • Explanation: An allottee is the recipient or beneficiary of the portion or share that has been distributed or allocated.

Example sentences:

  • “The land was divided among several allottees for cultivation.”
  • “The company’s policy ensures fair distribution of bonuses among its allottees.”

These different forms of “allotment”—as a verb (allot), its past tense (allotted), and a related noun (allottee)—help in expressing actions related to allocating, distributing, or receiving portions or shares of something.

How can you use ‘allotment’ in your spoken English?

Here are some tips and explanations on how to effectively use the word “allotment” in spoken English:

1. Understand its meaning: Before using the word “allotment” in conversation, make sure you understand its meaning and the various contexts in which it can be applied. Knowing its definition as the act of distributing or assigning something will help you use it accurately.

2. Contextual relevance: Use “allotment” in contexts where distribution, allocation, or assignment of something is being discussed. This could involve dividing resources, time, tasks, responsibilities, or portions of something among different individuals or purposes.

3. Be specific: When using “allotment,” be clear about what is being distributed or allocated, as well as who or what it is being allocated to. Providing specifics can enhance understanding and clarity in your conversation.

4. Use it naturally: Incorporate “allotment” into your speech in a natural and conversational manner. Avoid forcing its use if it doesn’t fit the context or if simpler words can convey the same meaning more effectively.

5. Practice with examples: Practice using “allotment” in sentences or scenarios to become more comfortable incorporating it into your spoken English. This will help you feel more confident when using the word in conversation.

6. Listen and observe: Pay attention to how others use similar words or phrases in conversation. This can help you understand the appropriate contexts and situations where “allotment” might fit naturally.

7. Use related words: If “allotment” feels too formal for the conversation, consider using synonyms or related terms like allocation, assignment, distribution, or sharing to convey a similar meaning in a more casual setting.

8. Start slowly: If you’re new to using “allotment” in your speech, start by using it in simpler sentences or situations. Gradually incorporate it into more complex conversations as you become more comfortable with its usage.

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