allot

Everyday

To allot is to give a share or an amount of something to someone, or to set time aside for something. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word in exam and maths language: «each pupil is allotted 3 minutes». It tells that an amount is given out, often equally. In everyday talk people say «give» or «share out». Phrase: «the allotted time».

Examples

• Each group was allotted one table. tree →
• We were allotted 20 minutes to finish the test. tree →
• The food was allotted fairly. tree →
• Finish within the allotted time. tree →
• Each child was allotted 4 tickets, so 5 children got 20. tree →
• Seats are allotted on arrival. tree →
• In many cases, indeed, we find that one version of a story will allot to a Baba Yaga the part which in another version is played by a Witch. tree →

Note

Double «t» in the past: allotted, allotting. Noun: allotment. Do not confuse with «a lot» (many). In maths: total = number of people × amount allotted to each.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means to assign a letter to a planet, as one writer does in his scheme of Hebrew letters and planets.

Interpretation. Sefer Yetzirah itself matches the seven double letters to the seven planets, but later writers disagreed about which letter goes with which planet.

Examples

• In associating the particular letters to each planet the learned Jesuit Kircher allots Beth to the Sun, Gimel to Venus, Daleth to Mercury, Kaph to Luna, Peh to Saturn, Resh to Jupiter, and Tau to Mars. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• Moreover Thou gavest them kingdoms and peoples, which Thou didst allot quarter by quarter; so they possessed the land of Sihon, even the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. (Writings NEH.9.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• all the inhabitants of the hill-country from Lebanon unto Misrephoth-maim, even all the Zidonians; them will I drive out from before the children of Israel; only allot thou it unto Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee. (Prophets JOS.13.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Double «t» in the past: allotted, allotting. Noun: allotment. Do not confuse with «a lot» (many). In maths: total = number of people × amount allotted to each.