Definitions
- Describing the act of giving permission or granting access to something. - Talking about a situation where someone is permitted to do something. - Referring to an action that is not prohibited or restricted.
- Describing the act of providing the means or resources necessary for someone to do something. - Talking about a situation where someone is empowered or given the ability to do something. - Referring to an action that facilitates or makes something possible.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions that allow or facilitate something to happen.
- 2Both words involve giving someone the ability to do something.
- 3Both words can be used in a positive context.
What is the difference?
- 1Permission vs. Ability: Allowing emphasizes giving permission or access, while enabling emphasizes giving the ability or resources necessary to do something.
- 2Restrictions: Allowing implies that there may have been restrictions or limitations in place before, while enabling does not necessarily imply this.
- 3Focus: Allowing focuses on the action of giving permission or access, while enabling focuses on the outcome of being able to do something.
- 4Passive vs. Active: Allowing can be seen as a passive action, while enabling is more active and involves providing resources or support.
- 5Context: Allowing is more commonly used in everyday language, while enabling is more commonly used in professional or technical contexts.
Remember this!
Allowing and enabling are synonyms that both describe actions that allow or facilitate something to happen. However, the difference between the two is their focus and emphasis. Allowing emphasizes giving permission or access, while enabling emphasizes giving the ability or resources necessary to do something.
