Definition of 'allow'

Word Frequency

allow

(əlaʊ )

Word forms: allows, allowing, allowed

1. transitive verb

If someone is allowed to do something, it is all right for them to do it and they will not get into trouble.

The children are allowed to watch TV after school.

Smoking will not be allowed.

Synonyms: permit, approve, enable, sanction More Synonyms of allow

2. transitive verb

If you are allowed something, you are given permission to have it or are given it.

Gifts like chocolates or flowers are allowed.

3. transitive verb

If you allow something to happen, you do not prevent it.

He won't allow himself to fail.

4. transitive verb

If one thing allows another thing to happen, the first thing creates the opportunity for the second thing to happen.

The compromise will allow him to continue his free market reforms.

...an attempt to allow the Muslim majority a greater share of power.

5. transitive verb

If you allow a particular length of time or a particular amount of something for a particular purpose, you include it in your planning.

Please allow 28 days for delivery.

Synonyms: give, provide, grant, spare More Synonyms of allow

Phrasal verbs:

See allow for

More Synonyms of allow

Video: pronunciation of
allow

allow in American English

(əˈlaʊ )

verb transitive

to let do, happen, etc.; permit; let

we weren't allowed to go

to let have

she allowed herself no sweets

to let enter or stay

dogs are not allowed

to admit (a claim or the like); acknowledge as true or valid

to provide or allot (a certain amount, period of time, etc.) for a purpose

allow an inch for shrinkage

6. Dialectal

to think; give as one's opinion

to intend

SIMILAR WORDS: let

Idioms:

allow for

allow of

Word origin

ME alowen < OFr alouer < ML allocare, allocate; assoc. with OFr alouer < L allaudare, to extol < ad-, to + laudare, to praise

Word Frequency

allow in British English

(əˈlaʊ )

verb

1. (transitive)

to permit (to do something); let

2. (transitive)

to set aside

five hours were allowed to do the job

3. (transitive)

to let enter or stay

they don't allow dogs

4. (transitive)

to acknowledge or concede (a point, claim, etc)

5. (transitive)

to let have; grant

he was allowed few visitors

6. (intransitive; foll by for)

to take into account

allow for delays

7. (intransitive; often foll by of)

to permit; admit

a question that allows of only one reply

8. (tr; may take a clause as object) US dialect

to assert; maintain

9. (transitive) archaic

to approve; accept

Word origin

C14: from Old French alouer, from Late Latin allaudāre to extol, influenced by Medieval Latin allocāre to assign, allocate

Examples of 'allow' in a sentence
allow

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This approach also allows users to benefit from predictable technology budgeting and simpler administration.The network also allows for videoconferencing facilities.He also feels conflicted about allowing the fact he is a father to have an impact on his job. Successive governments allowed this to happen. Please allow up to 60 days for delivery.The practice is legal, although suppliers are not allowed to advertise.It has a very wide flight envelope, which allows a huge amount of manoeuvres.Why is the Government allowing this to happen?We were not allowed to talk about the war. Please do not allow emotion to enter into your deliberation.