The spelling of the word "doling out" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable of the word, "dole," is pronounced with the long "o" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /oʊ/. The second syllable, "-ing," is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by the "ng" consonant cluster. The short "i" sound is represented by the IPA symbol /ɪ/, while the "ng" cluster is represented by /ŋ/. Overall, the word is pronounced as "dohl-ing out".
Doling out refers to the act of distributing or dispensing something, typically in a measured or controlled manner. It involves the systematic allocation or apportionment of resources, goods, services, or information to individuals or groups. The term often conveys the idea of giving out or distributing in limited quantities or according to predetermined criteria, rather than providing freely or indiscriminately.
The process of doling out can be observed in various contexts, such as government assistance programs, where benefits and subsidies are allocated to eligible individuals or families based on specific guidelines or needs. For instance, a welfare agency might be responsible for doling out financial aid to those below a certain income threshold. Similarly, educational institutions may engage in doling out scholarships or grants to students who meet certain academic or financial requirements.
Moreover, doling out can be seen in charitable organizations or relief efforts, where resources are distributed to assist vulnerable populations or those affected by natural disasters or crises. In such instances, aid is carefully doled out to ensure fairness and prevent misuse or waste.
Overall, doling out implies a systematic and calculated distribution of resources or benefits to targeted recipients, often with the aim of achieving equity, addressing specific needs, or providing assistance to individuals or groups.
The word "doling out" originated from Middle English and has its roots in the Old English verb "dǽlan", which meant "to divide or distribute". The term gradually evolved into "dollen" in Middle English, which referred to distributing or sharing something. Over time, "dollen" developed into "dole" and then "doling", with the latter being used as a gerund to indicate the act of distributing or dispensing something in small portions. Eventually, the term expanded to include the phrase "doling out", which is commonly used today to describe the act of giving or distributing something, especially in small amounts or portions.