Dictionary monolingual
English

Allow

əˈlaʊ
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Allow -

To give permission for something to happen or be done

Example: The teacher allowed the students to work in groups.
Usage: formalContext: educational or professional settings
Note: Commonly used in formal situations to indicate permission or authorization

To enable or permit someone to do something

Example: The new software allows users to customize their settings.
Usage: formalContext: technology or product descriptions
Note: Often used in technical or instructional contexts to indicate functionality or capability

To tolerate or accept something

Example: I don't allow rudeness in my classroom.
Usage: formalContext: rules or policies
Note: Used to establish boundaries or standards of behavior

To allocate a certain amount of time, money, or resources for a specific purpose

Example: We need to allow more time for this project.
Usage: formalContext: project management or planning
Note: Commonly used in professional contexts to indicate provision or allocation

To admit or acknowledge something as valid or true

Example: I must allow that he has a point in this argument.
Usage: formalContext: discussions or debates
Note: Used to concede a point or perspective in a formal debate or conversation

Allow's synonyms

permit

To give authorization or consent for something to happen.
Example: They permitted us to enter the building.
Note: Similar to 'allow' but may imply a formal or official permission.

authorize

To give official permission or approval for something.
Example: The manager authorized the use of company resources.
Note: More formal and often used in official or legal contexts.

enable

To make possible or provide the means for something to happen.
Example: The new software will enable users to work more efficiently.
Note: Focuses on providing the necessary conditions or tools for something to occur.

approve

To officially agree to or accept something.
Example: The committee approved the budget proposal.
Note: Implies giving a positive judgment or endorsement to a particular action or decision.

sanction

To give official permission or approval for an action, often with legal or political implications.
Example: The government sanctioned the use of military force.
Note: Can have a more formal or authoritative tone, often associated with official approval or endorsement.

Allow expressions, common phrases

Allow for

To take into consideration or make provisions for something that may happen.
Example: When planning the event, we need to allow for unexpected delays.
Note: This phrase implies planning ahead for potential situations, whereas 'allow' simply means to give permission.

Allowance

A sum of money regularly given to someone, typically a child or dependent, as a share of a parent's income.
Example: Children often receive a weekly allowance for doing household chores.
Note: An 'allowance' is a set amount of money given regularly, whereas 'allow' refers to giving permission.

Allow me

A polite way of asking for permission or indicating one's intention to do something.
Example: Allow me to introduce myself.
Note: This phrase is a courteous way to request permission, while 'allow' is a straightforward granting of permission.

Allow something to pass

To decide not to react or respond to something that could provoke disagreement or conflict.
Example: I will allow that comment to pass without further discussion.
Note: This phrase suggests letting something go without engaging in a dispute, unlike 'allow' which simply means to permit.

Allow time

To give a specified amount of time for a task or process to be completed.
Example: Please allow time for the paint to dry before touching the walls.
Note: This phrase involves setting aside time for something to happen, whereas 'allow' on its own means to give permission.

Allow for the possibility

To consider or make provision for a potential situation or outcome.
Example: We must allow for the possibility of bad weather during the outdoor event.
Note: This phrase involves preparing for a specific scenario, in contrast to 'allow' which simply means to give permission.

Allow something to happen

To permit or not prevent something from occurring.
Example: We need to allow the process to happen naturally without interference.
Note: This phrase emphasizes giving permission for an event to occur, unlike 'allow' which is a general term for granting permission.

Allow everyday (slang) expressions

OK

Used to indicate agreement or permission.
Example: OK, I'll meet you there at 8.
Note: OK is a widely understood informal term that is commonly used to give consent or approval.

Cool

Expressing acceptance or agreement.
Example: Cool, let's go to the beach this weekend.
Note: `Cool` is a casual way to show approval or agreement.

Sure

Indicating willingness or agreement.
Example: Sure, I can help you with that.
Note: `Sure` is a more casual and informal way of giving permission or agreement.

No problem

Informal way to agree to a request or task.
Example: A: Can you pick up the groceries? B: No problem!
Note: `No problem` is a laid-back way of saying yes or granting permission with a positive attitude.

Yes

Simple affirmation or agreement.
Example: Yes, you can borrow my car.
Note: `Yes` is a straightforward way of granting permission or agreement.

Go for it

Encouragement to proceed with a suggested action.
Example: You want to try bungee jumping? Go for it!
Note: Implies enthusiastic permission or support to carry out an action.

Sure thing

Affirmative response indicating agreement or compliance.
Example: A: Can you email me the report? B: Sure thing!
Note: `Sure thing` is a colloquial way to express readiness or willingness to do something.

Allow - Examples

Can you allow me to enter the building?
The teacher doesn't allow talking during the exam.
The new software allows users to edit photos easily.

Allow grammar

Allow - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: allow
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): allowed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): allowing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): allows
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): allow
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): allow
Syllables, Separation and Stress
allow Contains 2 syllables: al • low
Phonetic transcription: ə-ˈlau̇
al low , ə ˈlau̇ (The red syllable is stressed)

Allow - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
allow: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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