allocate

Definitions

ad- (to, toward) + loc (place) + -ate (verb) = 'to place toward (a purpose).' The prefix ad- assimilated to al- before the l, doubling it. The image is literal: you take resources and put them into their assigned slot — allocate a budget, allocate seats, allocate memory.

Why It Means This

Allocate is the most abstract of the everyday loc words, yet it never strays from 'placing.' Whether you allocate a budget, allocate blame, or allocate computer memory, the underlying picture is the same: taking a limited supply and putting each part into a designated place. That's why it pairs naturally with resources, funds, and time — anything finite that has to be divided up and assigned.

Common Collocations

• 1.allocate resources分配资源
• 2.allocate funds拨款
• 3.allocate time分配时间
• 4.allocate a budget分配预算

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The committee must allocate funds fairly among the departments.

• 2.

  Try to allocate at least an hour a day to exercise.

• 3.

  The system automatically allocates memory to each program.

Easily Confused

allocate vs distribute — both spread things out, but allocate stresses assigning each share to a specific purpose or recipient in advance (allocate the budget to marketing); distribute stresses the physical act of spreading or handing out (distribute leaflets). You allocate on paper, then distribute in practice.