rationed

Everyday

1. Past of «ration»: limited the amount of something each person could have, because there was not enough. tree →
2. adjective Given out in fixed, limited amounts: «rationed food». tree →
3. Used carefully in small amounts to make it last: «I rationed my sweets.» tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, food like sugar, butter and meat was rationed during wartime with ration books. In everyday life, families ration screen time or treats; in a drought, water may be rationed. In maths, rationing means sharing a fixed amount equally. Phrases: «strictly rationed», «rationed out».

Examples

• During the war, sugar and butter were rationed. tree →
• We rationed our water on the long hike. tree →
• Mum rationed the chocolate so it lasted all week. tree →
• Screen time is rationed in our house. tree →
• The sailors rationed the food until help came. tree →
• Petrol was rationed when supplies ran low. tree →

Note

Regular verb: ration, rationed, rationing. Noun «a ration» (a fixed share). In maths problems: if 12 biscuits are rationed equally over 4 days, that is 12 ÷ 4 = 3 a day. Pronounced RASH-und (UK, also RAY-shund in US).