portion out
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To divide something up into separate amounts and give each person their share.
Literal meaning: 'Portion' means a share or serving; 'out' indicates outward distribution — clearly evoking the image of dividing and handing out shares.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To divide food or goods into individual amounts and give them to people.
"The aid workers portioned out the food supplies carefully to ensure everyone received an equal share."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral
To divide responsibilities, tasks, or resources among members of a group.
"The manager portioned out the workload so that no single team member was overwhelmed."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
More formal and deliberate in tone than 'dish out' or 'dole out'. Commonly used for food, money, duties, or tasks. Implies a careful, measured approach to division.
Commonly used with
food money tasks responsibilities land supplies
Forms
Base
portion out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
portions out
he/she/it
Past simple
portioned out
yesterday
Past participle
portioned out
have + pp
-ing form
portioning out
continuous
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