allow

[əˈlaʊ]

allow Definition

• 1. give (someone) permission to do something
• 2. let (something) happen or be done

Using allow: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "allow" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  My parents allowed me to go to the party.

• Example

  The rules don't allow smoking in the building.

• Example

  The new policy allows for more flexibility in scheduling.

allow Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for allow

• permit
• authorize
• enable
• entitle
• sanction

Antonyms for allow

• forbid
• prohibit
• disallow

Phrases with allow

• allow me

  used as a polite way of asking someone for permission to do or say something

  Example

  Allow me to introduce myself.

• allow for

  take into consideration when making plans or calculations

  Example

  We need to allow for unexpected delays in our travel plans.

• allow time

  give enough time for something to happen or be done

  Example

  We need to allow time for the paint to dry before we can hang the picture.

Origins of allow

from Old French 'allouer', from Latin 'allaudare', meaning 'to praise'

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Summary: allow in Brief

To 'allow' [əˈlaʊ] means to give permission or let something happen. It is often used in phrases like 'allow me,' which is a polite way of asking for permission, and 'allow for,' which means to take into consideration when making plans or calculations. 'Allow' has synonyms like 'permit' and 'authorize,' and antonyms like 'forbid' and 'disallow.'