verb
allocate
AL-uh-kayt/ˈæləkeɪt/
To set aside or assign something for a particular purpose.
The planner allocates separate piles of lumber to the birdhouse and stool projects.
Etymology
The underlying image is placing something where it is assigned, hence setting resources apart for a purpose. The source verb was used in writs authorizing payment, giving this 'placing' a concrete financial application.
In context
when we think about how to allocate our time and energy and collective action, we might wanna advance the interests of our group
More examples
- We allocated an hour for questions after the presentation.
- The manager must allocate staff fairly across the shifts.
- The program is allocating extra memory for the calculation.
Forms
allocate · allocates · allocated · allocating
allocation noun — An assignment of resources for a particular purpose.
Similar words
- assign
- Broader; can designate tasks or roles rather than resources.
- distribute
- Emphasizes handing out shares rather than setting them aside.