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."
separable
portion out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To divide something into portions and distribute it among people.
In plain English
To divide something up into separate amounts and give each person their share.
What does "portion out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Portion' means a share or serving; 'out' indicates outward distribution — clearly evoking the image of dividing and handing out shares.
Actually means
To divide something up into separate amounts and give each person their share.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "portion out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
food money tasks responsibilities land supplies
How to conjugate "portion out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "portion out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "portion out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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