Allow
/əˈlaʊ]
Definitions
To permit or give permission for something; to make it possible or acceptable for something to happen.
/əˈlaʊ]
To permit or give permission for something
The teacher allowed us to leave early because we finished our work.
💡 Simply: To say it's okay for something to happen.
More Examples
We were allowed to go to the park after school.
How It's Used
"The company policy allows employees to take up to three days off after each project."
"Can I allow my children to have dessert after dinner?"
Idioms & expressions
allow for
To make provision or room for something; to consider something in a plan or calculation.
"We need to allow for unexpected delays in the project schedule."
The word 'allow' comes from the Middle English 'alowen,' derived from the Old High German 'alouwan,' meaning 'to let' or 'to permit.' It has been in use in English since the 13th century.
In the 13th century, 'allow' was used in a legal sense to signify permission or concession. Over time, it has expanded to various aspects of language, including everyday usage.
Memory tip
Think of it as 'letting' go or 'permitting'.