Portion

Definition

Portion refers to a part or segment of something larger, especially a part that is allocated or assigned to someone.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɔrʃən/
• Respelling: POR-shuhn (with "POR" as in "portal," "shuhn" as in the ending of "cushion")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɔːʃən/
• Respelling: POR-shuhn (similar to American English, with "POR" as in "portal," "shuhn" as in the ending of "cushion")

In both dialects, "portion" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "POR." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the "POR" part.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "portio", which means "a part". In the late Middle English period, it was adopted into the language as "portion", describing a part of anything, an allotted share, or a division.

Derivatives

• Portionless
• Portioner
• Disportion
• Proportion
• Reportion

Synonyms

• Segment
• Part
• Piece

Antonyms

• Whole
• Entirety
• Totality

Usage

"Portion" is frequently used to describe a segment or part of a larger entity, often referring to food, inheritance, or any subdivided item or concept. It can also indicate an assigned or allocated share of something.

Related Terms

• Fraction
• Division
• Share
• Allotment
• Serving

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A part or segment of a larger whole.
• Example: "The northern portion of the island is uninhabited."

• An amount of food suitable for or served to one person.
• Example: "The portions at the restaurant were quite generous."

• One's fate or destiny.
• Example: "It is not our portion to understand everything in life."

Verb

• To divide something into parts and distribute it.
• Example: "The chef portioned the cake into equal slices."