an amount of money that is given to someone regularly or for a specific purpose, the act of allowing or the state of being allowed

Formal and Informal Expressions of allowance

In different contexts, you can replace 'allowance' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'stipend, grant, subsidy' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'pocket money, cash' is a commonplace synonym.

allowance: Explore its Definition & Usage

allowance Definition

1an amount of money that is given to someone regularly or for a specific purpose
2the act of allowing or the state of being allowed

Using allowance: Examples

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

Example
My parents give me a weekly allowance.
Example
The company provides a travel allowance for its employees.
Example
The teacher made an allowance for students who needed extra time to finish the test.

allowance Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for allowance

Phrases with allowance

cost-of-living allowance
an additional payment made to employees to help them cope with the higher cost of living in certain areas
Example
The company offers a cost-of-living allowance to employees who work in expensive cities.
housing allowance
a payment made to employees to help them pay for housing expenses
Example
The university provides a housing allowance to its faculty members.
travel allowance
a payment made to employees to cover their travel expenses
Example
The sales team receives a travel allowance for their business trips.

Origins of allowance

from Old French 'alouance', from 'alouer' meaning 'to allocate'

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Summary: allowance in Brief

An 'allowance' [əˈlaʊəns] refers to an amount of money given to someone regularly or for a specific purpose. It can also denote the act of allowing or the state of being allowed. Examples include a weekly allowance from parents, a travel allowance from a company, and an allowance made by a teacher for extra test time. Phrases like 'cost-of-living allowance,' 'housing allowance,' and 'travel allowance' specify the purpose of the payment.