Definitions
- Describing something that is permitted or authorized by a rule, law, or policy. - Referring to something that is within the limits or bounds of what is allowed or acceptable. - Talking about something that is considered valid or legitimate according to a set of criteria or standards.
- Referring to something that is satisfactory or suitable for a particular purpose or situation. - Describing something that meets the required standards or expectations. - Talking about something that is approved or agreed upon by a group or individual.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is within the limits or bounds of what is allowed or suitable.
- 2Both words can be used to describe something that meets certain criteria or standards.
- 3Both words are used to indicate that something is approved or authorized.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Allowable is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, while acceptable is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 2Focus: Allowable emphasizes adherence to rules or policies, while acceptable emphasizes meeting standards or expectations.
- 3Subjectivity: Acceptable is more subjective and dependent on personal opinions or preferences, while allowable is more objective and based on established rules or guidelines.
- 4Scope: Allowable is often used to describe specific limits or boundaries, while acceptable can refer to a wider range of situations or contexts.
- 5Connotation: Allowable can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation, while acceptable is generally positive and implies approval or agreement.
Remember this!
Allowable and acceptable are synonyms that describe something that is within the limits or bounds of what is allowed or suitable. However, the difference between them lies in their usage, focus, subjectivity, scope, and connotation. Allowable is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts and emphasizes adherence to rules or policies, while acceptable is more versatile and subjective, emphasizing meeting standards or expectations and implying approval or agreement.
