apportion

verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən 

apportioned; apportioning ə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to divide and share out according to a plan

especially : to make a proportionate division or distribution of

Representatives are apportioned among the states.

apportionable

ə-ˈpȯr-shə-nə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• allocate
• allot
• allow
• assign
• distribute
• lot
• ration

Examples of apportion in a Sentence

The proceeds from the auction will be apportioned among the descendants.

Apportion the expenses between the parties involved.

The agency apportions water from the lake to residents.

Recent Examples on the Web

Without absolving the Israeli government of the immense human and material costs of the war or the occupation, some Palestinian analysts have apportioned plenty of blame to Hamas for its violence and absolutist ideology. —David Remnick, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024

Nebraska is heavily Republican overall but is one of two states — the other is Maine — that apportions its Electoral College votes by congressional district. —L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024

Nebraska overall is heavily Republican but is one of only two states — the other is Maine — that apportions its electoral college votes by congressional district. —Margery A. Beck, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024

This is the stage when key leadership positions are apportioned and the country’s new rulers angle for prize chunks of the executive pie. —Shalom Lipner, Foreign Affairs, 26 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French aporcioner, apporcioner "to divide up, assess (a tax)," (also continental Middle French apporcionner), borrowed from Medieval Latin apportiōnāre, from Latin ap- ap- entry 1 + Medieval Latin portiōnāre "to divide into portions" — more at portion entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing apportion

• apportion blame

Kids Definition

apportion

verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpōr-shən 

-ˈpȯr-

apportioned; apportioning -sh(ə-)niŋ 

: to divide and distribute in proportion

apportionment

-shən-mənt

noun

Legal Definition

apportion

transitive verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən 

: to make a usually proportionate division or distribution of (an amount due) according to a plan: as

a

: to divide (an amount due in tax or other liability) among the parties responsible for respective shares of the payment compare contribution

b

: to assign (a portion of the consideration agreed to in a contract) as payment for the other party's partial performance

c

: to distribute (corporate dividends) based on some proportion

d

: to assign (legislative representatives and taxes) among the states as provided by law

apportionable adjective

apportionment noun