Definition

1. Noun:

   • A portion of something divided among people: A part or portion of a larger amount that is divided among, or contributed by, a group of individuals.
   • A unit of ownership in a company: One of the equal parts into which the capital stock of a corporation is divided, representing a fraction of ownership.
   • The part contributed by or expected from a person: An individual's allotted or expected part of a task, responsibility, or experience.

2. Verb:

   • To have or use something jointly: To possess, use, or experience something jointly with another or others.
   • To give a portion of something to others: To divide and distribute a part of what one has among others.
   • To communicate information or feelings: To tell someone about something, such as thoughts, ideas, or news.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • She sold her share of the family business. (She sold her portion of ownership in the business.)
  • He did more than his fair share of the work. (He completed more than the portion of work that was fairly expected of him.)
  • I bought 50 shares in the technology company. (I purchased 50 units of ownership in that company.)

• Verb:

  • The siblings share a bedroom. (The brothers and sisters jointly use one bedroom.)
  • Would you like to share my umbrella? (Would you like to use my umbrella with me?)
  • She wanted to share the good news with her friends. (She wanted to tell her friends the good news.)

Advanced Usage

• "To share and share alike": To divide something equally among all participants.

  • The inheritance was to be divided, share and share alike, among the three children.

• "To go shares": To divide the cost or profits of something equally with someone.

  • Let's go shares on the petrol for the trip.

• "A share of the market": The portion of total sales in an industry that a particular company achieves.

  • The new product captured a significant share of the market.

Variants and Related Words

• Shareholder (n): An owner of shares in a company.

  • The shareholders voted on the new proposal.

• Shared (adj): Possessed or used jointly.

  • They have a shared interest in classical music.

Synonyms

• Noun: Portion, part, allotment, quota, stake, percentage.
• Verb: Divide, distribute, allocate, partake, participate, communicate, disclose.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Share out: To distribute something by dividing it into portions.

  • The teacher shared out the art supplies among the students.

• Share in: To participate in or have a part of something, especially an experience or feeling.

  • We all shared in the joy of their wedding day.

Related Idioms

• The lion's share: The largest portion of something.

  • As the project manager, he took the lion's share of the credit.

• A fair share: An equitable or reasonable portion.

  • Everyone should do their fair share of the housework.

Noun

1. a sharp steel wedge that cuts loose the top layer of soil
2. the part played by a person in bringing about a result
   • I am proud of my contribution in advancing the project
   • they all did their share of the work
3. the allotment of some amount by dividing something
   • death gets more than its share of attention from theologians
4. any of the equal portions into which the capital stock of a corporation is divided and ownership of which is evidenced by a stock certificate
   • he bought 100 shares of IBM at the market price
5. assets belonging to or due to or contributed by an individual person or group
   • he wanted his share in cash

Verb

1. communicate
   • I'd like to share this idea with you
2. give out as one's portion or share
3. have, give, or receive a share of
   • We shared the cake
4. use jointly or in common
5. have in common
   • Our children share a love of music
   • The two countries share a long border