The difference between Allocate and Earmark

When used as verbs, allocate means to set aside for a purpose, whereas earmark means to mark (as of sheep) by slitting the ear.


Earmark is also noun with the meaning: a mark or deformation of the ear of an animal, intended to indicate ownership.

check bellow for the other definitions of Allocate and Earmark

  1. Allocate as a verb:

    To set aside for a purpose.

  2. Allocate as a verb:

    To distribute according to a plan, generally followed by the adposition .

    Examples:

    "The bulk of K–12 education funds are allocated to school districts that in turn pay for the cost of operating schools."

  3. Allocate as a verb (computing):

    To reserve a portion of memory for use by a computer program.

  1. Earmark as a verb (transitive):

    To mark (as of sheep) by slitting the ear.

  2. Earmark as a verb (transitive, by extension):

    To specify or set aside for a particular purpose, to allocate.

    Examples:

    "You can donate to the organization as a whole, or you can earmark your contribution for a particular project."

  1. Earmark as a noun:

    A mark or deformation of the ear of an animal, intended to indicate ownership.

  2. Earmark as a noun (US, politics):

    The designation of specific projects in appropriations of funding for general programs.

  3. Earmark as a noun:

    A mark for identification; a distinguishing mark.