Apportionment is a term that is often used in legal and political contexts. It refers to the process of dividing something, such as resources or representation, among different groups or individuals. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of apportionment, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, apportionment is “the act of dividing or allocating something among different people or groups.” It can also refer to the process of assigning representation in a legislative body based on population or other factors.
Another definition comes from Black’s Law Dictionary, which defines apportionment as “the division of a whole into parts according to some rule or plan.” This can include the allocation of resources or the distribution of power in a political system.
Origin
The word apportionment comes from the Latin word “apportionare,” which means “to divide into parts.” The concept of apportionment has been used throughout history in various contexts, from the distribution of land to the allocation of taxes.
In the United States, the concept of apportionment is enshrined in the Constitution, which requires that representation in the House of Representatives be apportioned among the states based on population.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the definitions provided by Merriam-Webster and Black’s Law Dictionary, other dictionaries offer similar definitions of apportionment. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the act of dividing or sharing something out among a number of recipients.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the act of dividing something among several people or things.”
Associations
Apportionment is often associated with political systems and the distribution of power. It can also be associated with the allocation of resources, such as funding for education or healthcare.
In the legal context, apportionment can refer to the assignment of liability in a lawsuit. For example, if multiple parties are responsible for an injury, a court may apportion the damages among them based on their degree of fault.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for apportionment include allocation, distribution, division, and sharing. These words all refer to the process of dividing something among different groups or individuals.
Antonyms
Antonyms of apportionment include concentration, accumulation, and centralization. These words refer to the opposite of dividing something among different groups or individuals, instead focusing on the concentration of power or resources in one place.
The same root words
The root word of apportionment is “portion,” which comes from the Latin word “portio,” meaning “a part or share.” Other words with the same root include portion, proportion, and proportionate.
Example Sentences
- The apportionment of funding for schools is a contentious issue in many states.
- The Constitution requires that representation in the House of Representatives be apportioned based on population.
- The court will need to apportion liability among the parties involved in the accident.
- The apportionment of resources among different departments is a complex process.
- The company’s profits will be apportioned among its shareholders.