Ration

Noun

Definition: A fixed amount of a commodity officially allowed to each person during a time of shortage, as in wartime.

Synonyms: Allowance, Allocation, Share

Antonyms: Excess, Surplus, Abundance

Examples:

Each person received a weekly ration of bread during the rationing period.
The government introduced a fuel ration to conserve resources during the crisis.

Mnemonics:

"Ration" rhymes with "portion," which can help remember that it refers to a fixed amount allocated to each person.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'racioun', from Old French 'ration', from Latin 'ratio' (calculation, reasoning)

Historical Usage:

The word "ration" has been used since the Middle Ages and became especially prominent during periods of war or scarcity, such as World War II.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Ration book"

Explanation:

A booklet issued by the government to each individual during times of rationing, which contained coupons or tickets representing their allocated amounts of various commodities.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Thinking that rationing only occurs during wartime.

Explanation:

While rationing is often associated with wartime, it can also be implemented during times of scarcity or crisis, such as natural disasters or economic downturns. Rationing aims to ensure fair distribution of limited resources.