allocate
Meaning: To distribute or designate resources, funds, time, or responsibilities for a particular purpose according to a plan or system.
Allocate implies deliberate, systematic distribution rather than casual sharing. It is a workhorse verb in budgeting, project management, and policy-making. Resources are allocated, budgets are allocated, seats are allocated, and responsibilities are allocated. The word suggests authority and planning — someone with decision-making power decides how limited resources should be divided. It is more formal than 'assign' and more purposeful than 'give.'
Examples
- The government has allocated an additional £2 billion to the NHS for mental health services. 政府已为国民保健服务的精神卫生服务额外拨款20亿英镑。El gobierno ha asignado 2.000 millones de libras adicionales al NHS para servicios de salud mental.政府はNHSのメンタルヘルスサービスに追加で20億ポンドを配分した。정부는 NHS 정신건강 서비스에 추가로 20억 파운드를 배정했다.
- Each department must allocate sufficient time for staff training during the first quarter. 各部门必须在第一季度为员工培训分配充足的时间。Cada departamento debe asignar tiempo suficiente para la formación del personal durante el primer trimestre.各部門は第1四半期中に職員研修のために十分な時間を割り当てなければならない。각 부서는 1분기 중 직원 교육에 충분한 시간을 배분해야 한다.
- Seats on the new high-speed rail service will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 新高速铁路服务的座位将按先到先得的原则分配。Las plazas en el nuevo servicio de alta velocidad se asignarán por orden de solicitud.新しい高速鉄道サービスの座席は先着順で割り当てられる。새로운 고속철도 서비스의 좌석은 선착순으로 배정된다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, politics, finance
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Medieval Latin allocare (to place, allot), from ad- (to) + locare (to place), from locus (place). Entered English in the 17th century, initially in legal and administrative language.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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