portion out

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Explanation of "Portion Out"

Definition: The verb "portion out" means to divide something into parts or shares and give them to different people or groups.

Usage Instructions

• When to use: You can use "portion out" when you are talking about dividing food, resources, tasks, or responsibilities among people.
• How to use: It is typically followed by the object you are dividing and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example Sentences

1. Food Context: "She portioned out the cake so that everyone could have a piece."
2. Task Context: "The manager will portion out the responsibilities among the team members."

Advanced Usage

• You can use "portion out" in a more figurative sense, such as dividing attention, time, or effort.
  • Example: "He needs to portion out his time wisely to finish all his projects."

Word Variants

• Portion (noun): A part of something larger. Example: "I only had a small portion of the meal."
• Portioned (adjective): Something that has been divided into portions. Example: "The meal was nicely portioned."

Different Meanings

While "portion out" primarily refers to dividing something into shares, the word "portion" by itself can refer to a part of something larger, such as a meal or a share of something (like a portion of land).

Synonyms

• Divide
• Share
• Allocate
• Distribute

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Split up: To divide something into parts. Example: "Let's split up the tasks for the project."
• Hand out: To give something to several people. Example: "The teacher will hand out the assignments."

Summary

"Portion out" is a useful verb to describe the action of dividing something into parts to share with others.

Academic

Verb

1. give out as one's portion or share

Synonyms

• share
• divvy up
• apportion
• deal