# allocate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈæl.ə.keɪt/ · frequency rank #19,261

## Definitions
1. To set aside for a purpose.
2. To distribute according to a plan, generally followed by the adposition to.
3. To reserve a portion of memory for use by a computer program.

## Etymology
From Latin allocātus, perfect passive participle of Latin allocō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from ad- (“to”) + locō. Doublet of allow.

## Easily confused with
- **allocated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/allocate-vs-allocated)
- **advocate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/advocate-vs-allocate)

## Common misspellings (9)
`allcoate`, `alloacte`, `allocaet`, `allocatte`, `alloccate`, `alloctae`, `alocate`, `alolcate`, `lalocate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/allocate