Definition

Verb: To distribute or allocate something by dividing it into parts or shares, typically in a measured or fair way. It implies giving out portions from a larger whole.

Usage

This verb is used when describing the action of dividing and distributing something, such as food, money, tasks, or resources, among a group of people. It is a transitive verb and requires a direct object (the thing being distributed). It often has a connotation of careful or equitable division.

Examples

• The chef will portion out the ingredients for each cooking station.
• The aid workers portioned out the remaining supplies to the refugees.
• Please portion out the project tasks among the team members.
• He carefully portioned out his weekly allowance to make it last.

Advanced Usage

• "to portion something out among/to someone": This structure specifies the recipients of the portions.
  • The estate was portioned out among the three heirs.
  • The teacher portioned the candy out to the children.

Variants and Related Words

• Portion (n): A part or share of a whole.
  • She ate a small portion of the cake.
• Portion (v): To divide into shares; to provide with a portion. (Less common than "portion out").
  • The land was portioned to the settlers.
• Apportion (v): To divide and assign proportionally. A more formal synonym.
  • The funds were apportioned based on need.

Synonyms

• Distribute
• Allocate
• Dispense
• Dole out
• Divide up
• Share out

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Dole out: To distribute, especially in small amounts or reluctantly.
  • The manager doled out criticism to the entire staff.
• Met out: To distribute or apportion something, often justice or punishment. (Formal/Literary).
  • The judge meted out a severe sentence.
• Hand out: To distribute freely, often by hand.
  • Volunteers were handing out flyers on the street.

Related Idioms

• Divide/share the spoils: To distribute the profits or benefits of a joint effort.
  • After the successful project, the partners divided the spoils. (Note: "Portion out" itself is not typically used in fixed idioms, but it describes the action central to many idiomatic expressions about distribution.)

Verb

1. give out as one's portion or share