allocate

Pronunciation: /ˈæləkeɪt/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of allocate

To distribute or designate resources, duties, or responsibilities for a particular purpose, often in a systematic or strategic manner.

Origin of allocate

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: allocare

Original meaning: to assign, place

How it evolved: Originally used in the context of assigning land or positions, the term expanded to include broader forms of distribution and designation.

Derived from the Latin verb 'allocare,' which means 'to assign' or 'to place,' the word has evolved to describe the act of distributing resources or responsibilities.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember allocate

Imagine you're 'locating' resources and assigning them to specific places — 'allocate' involves giving something a location or purpose.

Synonyms for allocate

Antonyms of allocate

  • retain
  • withhold
  • hoard
  • collect
  • misallocate

allocate in a Sentence

  1. The committee will allocate funds to each department based on their projected needs for the upcoming fiscal year.
  2. In preparation for the expedition, the team leader allocated roles to ensure the efficiency of the mission.
  3. The government decided to allocate additional resources to healthcare to address the growing crisis.

allocate in Literature & Culture

The word 'allocate' is widely used in literature and speeches to describe the distribution of resources, such as in discussions about budgets, charity work, or wartime strategies.

Usage Notes

The word 'allocate' is often used in formal or professional contexts, particularly in finance, project management, or organizational planning. It implies intentionality and strategic decision-making.

Why allocate Matters for GRE & SAT

A frequent GRE word used in questions about strategy, resource management, or organizational efficiency, 'allocate' tests students' understanding of systematic distribution and prioritization.

Word Family

allocation (noun)
The act of distributing or assigning resources.
allocative (adjective)
Relating to the distribution or assignment of resources.
reallocate (verb)
To redistribute or assign again, often to adjust priorities.

Did You Know?

  • The concept of allocation has been pivotal in economics and public policy, influencing decisions about resource scarcity and distribution.
  • The word 'allocate' was first popularized in English during the 17th century in legal and administrative settings.
  • In programming, 'memory allocation' refers to assigning storage space for data in computer systems.
  • distribute
  • delegate
  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable

More Vocabulary Words Starting with A

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable