lote
Extremely low (archaic/obsolete).Archaic / Biblical / Obsolete.
Definition
Meaning
A 'lote' is a biblical term, chiefly archaic, referring to a person's share, portion, or inheritance determined by casting lots.
In very rare or obsolete usage, 'lote' can also refer to a native Australian tree or shrub of the genus Notelaea, or be an archaic spelling for 'lot'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning survives almost exclusively in biblical translations (e.g., 'the lote of thy inheritance') or historical texts referring to the allocation of land or fate by lot. Its use in modern English is virtually non-existent outside of historical quotation or reference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None. The word is equally archaic and obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Biblical, historical, fate-determined.
Frequency
Negligible in contemporary corpora for both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[person] + inherit + [possessive determiner] + lote[possessive determiner] + lote + be + cast/determinedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cast (in) one's lote with [someone/something]: (archaic) to join one's fate to that of another.”
- “one's lote is cast: (archaic) one's fate is sealed.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used only in historical, literary, or theological studies discussing biblical or ancient practices.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They sought to lote the land amongst the tribes.
American English
- The elders would lote the inheritance by sacred custom.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the old story, the king cast his lote to decide the heir.
- The land was divided by lote among the people.
- His lote in life, determined by the casting of the sacred stones, was one of service.
- They agreed to accept whatever lote the priest drew for them.
- The prophet spoke of the lote of the righteous, a portion reserved in the hereafter.
- The concept of a divine lote shaping human destiny pervades the ancient text.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the archaic word 'lote' as a 'lot' with an 'e' for 'estate' or 'endowment' – something allotted to you.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESTINY/PROSPERITY IS A PHYSICAL PORTION ALLOTTED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'лотерея' (lottery). It is not a game, but a pre-determined share.
- Do not confuse with 'лодка' (boat).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lote' in contemporary writing expecting it to be understood.
- Confusing it with the common word 'lot'.
- Pronouncing it like 'note' or 'late'.
Practice
Quiz
'Lote' is most closely related to which of the following words?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered an archaic or obsolete term. You will only encounter it in historical texts, older biblical translations, or as a poetic archaism.
In essence, 'lote' is an older spelling and form of the word 'lot', specifically retaining its original meaning of a share or portion determined by casting lots. 'Lot' has evolved to have many more meanings (a large amount, a parking lot, etc.).
It is pronounced exactly like the modern word 'loathe' (with a 'th' sound) or like the modern word 'boat' (with a 't' sound), depending on historical context. For biblical reading, it is typically /ləʊt/ (rhymes with 'boat').
Unless you are a student of historical linguistics, biblical studies, or early English literature, there is no need to learn it for active use. It is important for passive recognition in specific contexts only.