portion

Everyday

1. A portion is a part or share of something. tree →
2. A portion is the amount of food served to one person. tree →
3. To portion something out is to divide it into shares and give them out. tree →

In the lessons

In maths a portion is a part of a whole, linked to fractions: «a portion of the cake». In health lessons we hear «five portions of fruit and vegetables a day». Phrases: «a large portion», «portion size», «a portion of chips», «portion out».

Examples

• Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. tree →
• The restaurant gives huge portions. tree →
• A large portion of the money went to the charity. tree →
• Mum portioned out the pizza so everyone got two slices. tree →
• Only a small portion of the Earth's water is fresh. tree →
• Can I have a child's portion, please? tree →
• Divide the cake into eight equal portions. tree →
• The youngest of the three sons, on the contrary, made good use of his portion. tree →

Note

Countable: portion, portions. Close to «part» and «share». In a maths problem «a portion» often hints at a fraction or division: 24 sweets in 4 equal portions = 6 each.

In Jewish tradition

God's people are called His portion. The portion can also be a share of the sacrifices given to priests, or of the dough given as a gift.

Interpretation. The weekly Torah reading is also called a portion (parashah). Taking challah, a portion of dough, is a command still kept today.

Examples

• For the portion of the LORD is His people, Jacob the lot of His inheritance. (Torah DEU.32.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which is his due according to the fathers' houses. (Torah DEU.18.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD a portion for a gift throughout your generations. (Torah NUM.15.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• My portion is the LORD, I have said that I would observe Thy words. (Writings PSA.119.57, JPS 1917) tree →
• 'The LORD is my portion', saith my soul; 'Therefore will I hope in Him.' (Writings LAM.3.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• O LORD, the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup, Thou maintainest my lot. (Writings PSA.16.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: portion, portions. Close to «part» and «share». In a maths problem «a portion» often hints at a fraction or division: 24 sweets in 4 equal portions = 6 each.