Allowing
/əˈlaʊɪŋ/
verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
To grant permission or consent.
/əˈlaʊɪŋ/
verbneutralBeginner
General
To permit or consent to something.
The teacher is allowing extra time for the exam.
💡 Simply: To say yes or give permission.
More Examples
2
Her parents are allowing her to go to the party.
How It's Used
General
"The rules allow students to bring their laptops to class."
Legal
"The contract allows for a 30-day cancellation period."
From Middle English *allowen, from Old English *alāwan, meaning 'to allow, permit'.
The word has maintained its core meaning of granting permission throughout history.
Memory tip
Think of 'al' as all and 'lowing' as lowering restrictions.
Practice
alowwingalloing
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written