rationing etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: racion, from Old French racion, from Latin ratio ("reckoning, account")

Meaning:

• The act of distributing a limited supply of goods or resources among a group of people, typically in times of shortage.
• The allocation of a specific amount or portion of a resource to an individual or group.

Origin:

The concept of rationing originated in ancient times, when armies and travelers needed to carefully allocate their supplies to avoid starvation. The term "ration" derives from the Latin word "ratio," which means "reckoning" or "account."

Historical Context:

Rationing has been implemented in various forms throughout history, particularly during times of war or economic instability. It was widely used during World War II, when governments imposed strict quotas on essential goods like food, fuel, and clothing to ensure equal distribution and prevent hoarding.

Modern Usage:

Rationing continues to be used in some contexts today. For example:

• Emergency situations: During natural disasters or other emergencies, governments may implement rationing to ensure that essential supplies are available to those in need.
• Environmental conservation: Some resources, such as water, are rationed in regions where supplies are limited.
• Economic planning: In socialist or communist countries, rationing has been used as a tool for managing the distribution of goods and services.

Related Terms:

• Coupon: A document that entitles the holder to purchase a specified amount of a rationed good.
• Black market: An illegal market where goods that are subject to rationing are sold at inflated prices.
• Hoarding: The practice of stockpiling goods beyond what is needed for personal use, potentially depriving others.

rationing relate terms

• ration

  Etymology The word ration comes from the Latin term ratio which means a fixed propo

• ration

  Etymology The word ration comes from the Latin term ratio which means a fixed propo

• rationing

  Etymology Middle English racion from Old French racion from Latin ratio reckoning

• bootlegger

  Etymology bootlegger 1920s American English from bootleg n er agent noun

• allocate

  Etymology Old French alocacion Latin allocatio allocare to assign or place ad to

• circumscribe

  Etymology The word circumscribe comes from the Latin circumscribere meaning to draw

• assignation

  Etymology The word assignation comes from the Latin word assignatio which means a f

• limit

  Etymology The word limit comes from the Latin word limes which originally meant bou

• triage

  Etymology The word triage originates from the French verb trier which means to sort

• zombie

  Etymology The word zombie derives from the Haitian Creole word zonbi which in turn i

• endure

  Etymology Old French endurer Latin indūrāre to harden make firm Proto Indo Euro

• shadow

  Etymology Old English sceadu from Proto Germanic skadwa meaning darkness shade

• illusion

  Etymology The word illusion derives from the Latin word illudere meaning to mock