Apportioner vs. Apportion: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
Apportioner refers to a person or entity that distributes or allocates something, while apportion is the act of distributing or dividing something among several people or things.
Key Differences
Apportioner is a noun that describes an individual or entity responsible for dividing or distributing resources, duties, or responsibilities. This term emphasizes the role of the person or organization in managing the allocation process. Apportion, on the other hand, is a verb that describes the act of dividing or distributing resources, duties, or responsibilities among multiple parties. It focuses on the action itself rather than the person performing it.
In organizational contexts, an apportioner might be a manager or committee tasked with allocating budgets or tasks. The process they engage in, apportioning, involves careful consideration of fairness and need to ensure an equitable distribution.
The term apportioner is less commonly used than apportion but is essential in legal, governmental, and administrative contexts where specific roles are designated for distribution tasks. Apportion is more versatile and frequently used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the action of distribution.
When it comes to resource management, the apportioner makes strategic decisions on how to distribute resources, while apportion refers to the actual division or distribution based on those decisions. Both terms are interconnected, with one describing the actor and the other the action.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Person/entity that distributes
Act of distributing
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Part of Speech
Noun
Verb
Usage Context
Legal, governmental, organizational
General, formal, and informal
Focus
The actor performing the distribution
The action of distribution
Commonality
Less commonly used
More commonly used
Apportioner and Apportion Definitions
Apportioner
Individual assigning duties or responsibilities.
The project manager served as the apportioner of tasks among the team.
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Apportion
To divide and distribute in shares.
The judge will apportion the estate among the heirs.
Apportioner
Entity responsible for distribution of resources.
The state government acted as the apportioner of federal funds.
Apportion
To assign a share or part of something.
The manager will apportion tasks based on skill levels.
Apportioner
A person who allocates shares or portions.
The apportioner decided the budget allocations for each department.
Apportion
To allocate according to a plan or rule.
The company must apportion its profits fairly among its employees.
Apportioner
Role involved in the allocation process.
The school board acted as the apportioner of educational resources.
Apportion
To distribute duties or responsibilities.
It's important to apportion household chores evenly.
Apportioner
Organization dividing resources or responsibilities.
The committee was the apportioner of community grants.
Apportion
To set aside for a particular purpose.
They decided to apportion part of the budget for emergency funds.
Apportioner
One who apportions.
Apportion
To divide and assign according to a plan; allot
"The tendency persists to apportion blame as suits the circumstances" (Natalie Angier).
Apportioner
One who apportions.
Apportion
(transitive) To divide and distribute portions of a whole.
The controlling party had apportioned the voting districts such that their party would be favored in the next election.
Apportion
(transitive) Specifically, to do so in a fair and equitable manner; to allocate proportionally.
The children were required to dump all of their Halloween candy on the table so that their parents could apportion it among them.
Apportion
To divide and assign in just proportion; to divide and distribute proportionally; to portion out; to allot; as, to apportion undivided rights; to apportion time among various employments.
Apportion
Distribute according to a plan or set apart for a special purpose;
I am allocating a loaf of bread to everyone on a daily basis
I'm allocating the rations for the camping trip
Apportion
Give out as one's portion or share
FAQs
Can apportioner be used in everyday language?
It is less common in everyday language and more used in formal, legal, or organizational contexts.
Who can be an apportioner?
Any person or organization tasked with allocating resources, duties, or responsibilities can be an apportioner.
Can apportion be used in legal contexts?
Yes, apportion is often used in legal contexts to describe the distribution of assets, responsibilities, or resources.
Is apportion a verb?
Yes, apportion is a verb that describes the act of dividing or distributing.
What is the focus of apportion?
The focus of apportion is on the action of dividing or distributing.
Can apportioner refer to a role in an organization?
Yes, an apportioner can refer to a role in an organization responsible for allocation tasks.
Can apportioner be an entity?
Yes, an apportioner can be an entity like a committee or government body.
What does apportion mean?
Apportion is the act of dividing or distributing something among multiple parties.
What is the focus of apportioner?
The focus of apportioner is on the person or entity performing the distribution.
Is apportion used in everyday speech?
Yes, apportion can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What does apportioner mean?
Apportioner refers to a person or entity responsible for distributing or allocating resources, duties, or responsibilities.
How is apportion used in a sentence?
Apportion is used to describe the act of distributing, e.g., "The board will apportion funds to each department."
Is apportioner used in government contexts?
Yes, apportioner is used in government contexts to describe those responsible for distributing resources or duties.
How is apportion used in business contexts?
In business contexts, apportion is used to describe the allocation of resources, budgets, or responsibilities among different departments or projects.
Is apportioner a common term?
Apportioner is less commonly used compared to apportion.
How does apportion relate to resource management?
Apportion refers to the action of distributing resources in resource management.
What is an example of an apportioner in action?
An apportioner in action could be a manager who allocates tasks to team members.
Can apportion be used to describe allocating time?
Yes, apportion can be used to describe distributing time among tasks or activities.
Does apportion imply fairness?
Typically, yes, apportion implies a fair or equitable distribution based on a plan or criteria.
Can apportioner refer to someone assigning tasks?
Yes, an apportioner can refer to someone who assigns tasks or responsibilities.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
