Meaning & Definition of word "Ration"

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    Ration

    /ˈræʃən/

    noun:

    • 1. A fixed amount of a commodity officially allowed to each person during a time of shortage.
      • Example: During the war, families received a ration of bread and sugar each week.
    • 2. An allowance of food or provisions, particularly when there is a scarcity.
      • Example: The soldiers relied on their daily ration to sustain them during the long campaign.
    • 3. A particular share or portion of something.
      • Example: He felt that he had not received his fair ration of the inheritance.

    verb:

    • 1. To control the amount of something that someone is allowed to have.
      • Example: The government decided to ration fuel during the energy crisis.
    • 2. To distribute in fixed amounts.
      • Example: Due to the drought, the farmers had to ration water among their crops.
    • 3. To limit the consumption of a resource.
      • Example: Many households had to ration their food supplies while waiting for the next delivery.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French 'ration' and from Latin 'ratio'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    ration card:

    A card that authorizes the holder to receive a certain amount of rations.

    rationing system:

    A method of controlling the distribution of goods or food.

    ration oneself:

    To limit oneself to a fixed amount of something.

    Related Words

    rationed:

    Past tense of ration; restricted to a fixed amount.

    rational:

    Based on reason or logic; relating to the reasoned allocation of resources.

    Slang Meanings of ration

    Meaning: To skimp on supplies.

    Example Sentence: Don't ration your snacks too much; you should enjoy them!

    Meaning: To minimize usage.

    Example Sentence: I had to ration my internet usage during the month.