allow
gb/əlˈaʊ/ us/əlˈaʊ/
A2
English
~ 300
megenged, engedélyez, lehetővé tesz, számol, bekalkulál, elismer, belát
VERB
A2
1
megenged
A2
engedélyez
B1
Usage pattern:
to allow [someone/something] to [do something]
The teacher allowed the students to leave early.
A tanár megengedte a diákoknak, hogy korábban elmenjenek.
My parents don't allow me to stay out after midnight.
A szüleim nem engedik meg, hogy éjfél után is kint maradjak.
The software allows users to create their own profiles.
Smoking is not allowed inside the building.
They allowed the meeting to continue despite the noise.
Learner examples
My mother allows me to watch TV after dinner.
Anyukám megengedi, hogy vacsora után tévézzek.
The park allows dogs.
A parkba be lehet vinni kutyát.
This key allows you to open the door.
We are allowed to use the computer at school.
He allows his son to play outside.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'allow' with 'let'. 'Allow' is slightly more formal and often needs an object before the action, e.g., 'allow someone to do something'.
Meaning
Give permission for something
Collocations
allow access
|allow entry
|allow time
|allow use
|allow freedom
Synonyms
permit (Slightly more formal and often used in official contexts.)
Antonyms
forbid (Actively refuse to give permission.)
Themes
daily life
|law
|rules
|daily_life
Definition
To say that someone can do something, or that something can happen.
To permit someone to do something, or to permit something to happen.
VERB
B1
2
Usage pattern:
to allow [something] to [happen/be done]
The new system allows faster data processing.
Az új rendszer gyorsabb adatfeldolgozást tesz lehetővé.
This design allows more light into the room.
Ez a kialakítás több fényt enged be a szobába.
Good planning allows us to finish on time.
The road's closure will not allow traffic through.
His injury didn't allow him to play in the final.
Learner examples
This app allows you to share photos.
Ez az alkalmazás lehetővé teszi, hogy fotókat ossz meg.
The window allows fresh air into the room.
Az ablak friss levegőt enged be a szobába.
Good weather allows us to play outside.
The rules allow changes when needed.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with giving permission; here, it is about possibility, not authority.
Meaning
Make something possible
Collocations
allow growth
|allow movement
|allow access
|allow changes
Synonyms
enable (Focuses on providing ability or means, not permission.)
Antonyms
prevent (Stops something from being able to happen.)
Themes
technology
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make it possible for something to happen.
To enable or provide the conditions for something to happen or be done.
VERB
B1
3
számol
B1
bekalkulál
B2
Usage pattern:
to allow [time/money/space] for [something]
You should allow at least two hours for the journey.
Legalább két órát számolj az útra.
We must allow enough space for all the guests.
Elég helyet kell hagynunk az összes vendégnek.
The budget allows for unexpected expenses.
Allow some time for the paint to dry.
Learner examples
Allow ten minutes to walk to school.
Számolj tíz percet arra, hogy gyalog eljuss az iskolába.
We allow money for food on the trip.
Az útra ételre is tervezünk pénzt.
Please allow extra time for traffic.
Allow space between the chairs.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with giving permission; here it means making a plan with extra resources or time.
Meaning
Plan extra time or resources
Collocations
allow time for
|allow money for
|allow space for
Synonyms
allocate (Suggests deliberate setting aside of resources.)
Antonyms
overlook (Fail to plan or provide for something.)
Themes
planning
|business
|work
|finance
|time
Definition
To plan for extra time, money, or space when you do something.
To include extra time, money, or space when planning for something.
VERB
C1
4
Usage pattern:
to allow that [clause]
She allowed that she might have made a mistake.
Elismerte, hogy talán hibázott.
I allow that his idea has some merit.
Elismerem, hogy van valami az ötletében.
He allowed that their plan could work under certain conditions.
Learner examples
I allow that you are right this time.
Elismerem, hogy ezúttal igazad van.
He allows that it is a good idea.
Elismeri, hogy ez jó ötlet.
She allowed that she was wrong.
Common mistake:
'Allow that' is formal and rare in speech; learners may overuse it instead of 'admit' or 'agree'.
Meaning
Accept a point in argument
Collocations
allow that
Synonyms
concede (Often used when reluctantly admitting something.)
Antonyms
deny (Refuse to accept something as true.)
Themes
discussion
|debate
|communication
Definition
To agree that something is true in a discussion, even if you don't like it.
To acknowledge that something is true or valid in a discussion or argument.
Grammar
Dictionary form
allow
IPA
GB/əlˈaʊ/
US/əlˈaʊ/
Syllables & stress
al - low (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (low)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: allow
- 3rd Person Singular: allows
- Present Participle: allowing
- Past: allowed
Word family
Forms
allows
verb
allowing
verb
allowed
verb
Core family
allowance
noun A2
Related words
allowable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
disallow
verb
unallowable
adjective
Expressions
allow for
1/əlˈaʊ fɚ/
phrasal verb
Consider in planning or decisions
To think about something important when you are making a plan or decision.
Examples
- You need to allow for delays when booking your train.
- The design allows for future expansion.
be allowed to
1/bˈi əlˈaʊd tə/
fixed phrase
Have permission to do something
To have official or personal permission to do something.
Examples
- We are allowed to take photos inside the museum.
- Children are not allowed to enter this area.
not allow something/someone out of your sight
1/nˈɑt əlˈaʊ səmˈɛθɪŋsˈoʊmˈoʊn ˈaʊt əv jˈʊɹ sˈaɪt/
idiom
informal
Watch closely without stopping
To watch someone or something all the time so you don't lose them or it.
Examples
- Keep the passport safe and don't allow it out of your sight.
- The mother didn't allow her child out of her sight in the busy market.