allocate

[al-uh-keyt]

verb (used with object)

allocated, allocating 

1. to set apart for a particular purpose; assign or allot.

   to allocate funds for new projects.

allocate

/ ˈæləˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to assign or allot for a particular purpose

2. a less common word for locate

Other Word Forms

• allocator noun
• deallocate verb (used with object)
• reallocate verb (used with object)
• allocatable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of allocate¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Medieval Latin allocātus (past participle of allocāre ), equivalent to al- al- + loc(us) “place” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of allocate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin allocāre, from Latin locāre to place, from locus a place

Synonym Study

See assign.

Example Sentences

Some limited partners say their investment opportunities are already being whittled down as firms allocate more deals to their evergreen funds, and cut back allocations to institutional funds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On Friday, they spent the entire four hours allocated for the day discussing a group of 21 amendments on safeguards designed to prevent people being coerced or encouraged into an assisted death.

Read more on BBC

The authors’ comprehensive road map begins by detailing the different types of retirement accounts and providing suggestions about how to allocate and diversify investment assets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This isn’t to say that people should divest from the U.S., but rather, where are you going to allocate the marginal dollar?

Read more on Barron's

“There are certainly better ways to have allocated capital recently that would have given you broader exposure, created healthier portfolios and delivered as good, if not better, returns,” he said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• allot 
• apportion 
• appropriate 
• designate 
• earmark 
• give 
• set aside