Apportioning is a term that is commonly used in legal, political, and financial contexts. It refers to the process of dividing something into smaller parts, usually with the aim of distributing it among different individuals or groups. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of apportioning, as well as its origin and associations.
Definitions
Apportioning is the act of dividing or allocating something in a fair and equitable manner. It can refer to the distribution of resources, responsibilities, or benefits among different parties. Apportioning is often used in the legal and political spheres, where it is used to determine the allocation of seats in a legislative body, the distribution of funds among different states, or the assignment of voting rights.
Origin
The word “apportioning” comes from the Old French verb “aporter,” which means “to bring.” It was first used in English in the 15th century, and originally referred to the act of bringing or carrying something. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include the idea of dividing or distributing something among different parties.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, apportioning means “to divide and share out according to a plan, especially a proportional one.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to divide and allocate something in a fair and equitable manner.”
Associations
Apportioning is often associated with the concept of fairness and equity. It is used to ensure that resources, responsibilities, and benefits are distributed in a way that is just and equitable. Apportioning is also associated with the idea of proportionality, as it often involves dividing something into parts that are proportional to each other.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of apportioning include allocating, distributing, dividing, sharing, and assigning.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of apportioning include hoarding, monopolizing, withholding, and retaining.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as apportioning include portable, import, and export. These words all relate to the idea of bringing or carrying something from one place to another.
Example Sentences
- The state legislature was responsible for apportioning the funds among the different school districts.
- The committee was tasked with apportioning the seats in the new legislative body.
- The judge was responsible for apportioning the damages among the different parties in the lawsuit.
In summary, apportioning is a term that is used to refer to the process of dividing something into smaller parts and distributing it among different parties. It is often associated with the concepts of fairness, equity, and proportionality. Apportioning is a common practice in legal, political, and financial contexts, and is used to ensure that resources, responsibilities, and benefits are distributed in a just and equitable manner.