loter

divide into lots

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A community volunteer divides a basket of apples among three waiting empty cloth bags on a table.

verb

allot

uh-LAHT/əˈlɑːt/

To give a share or portion of something to someone or something.

Etymology

alLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

+lotOld Frenchdivide into lots

The lot element connects allotting with dividing things by lots, originally objects used to determine someone's share. The meaning broadened to assigning a portion without necessarily using chance.

Full entry

Related word entries

allot