allow
gb/əlˈaʊ/ us/əlˈaʊ/
A2
Kiingereza
~ 300
Maana
maana 0
Kitenzi
A2
action
1
Give permission for something
To say that someone can do something, or that something can happen.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to allow [someone/something] to [do something]
Kosa la kawaida:
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'.
Visawe
permit (Slightly more formal and often used in official contexts.)
Vinyume
forbid (Actively refuse to give permission.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
allow access
|allow entry
|allow time
|allow use
|allow freedom
Mada
daily life
|law
|rules
|daily_life
Mifano
- The teacher allowed the students to leave early.
- My parents don't allow me to stay out after midnight.
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- My mother allows me to watch TV after dinner.
- The park allows dogs.
- This key allows you to open the door.
- We are allowed to use the computer at school.
- He allows his son to play outside.
Kitenzi
B1
action
2
Make something possible
To make it possible for something to happen.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to allow [something] to [happen/be done]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners may confuse this meaning with giving permission; here, it is about possibility, not authority.
Visawe
enable (Focuses on providing ability or means, not permission.)
Vinyume
prevent (Stops something from being able to happen.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
allow growth
|allow movement
|allow access
|allow changes
Mada
technology
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- The new system allows faster data processing.
- This design allows more light into the room.
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- This app allows you to share photos.
- The window allows fresh air into the room.
- Good weather allows us to play outside.
- The rules allow changes when needed.
Kitenzi
B1
action
3
Plan extra time or resources
To plan for extra time, money, or space when you do something.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to allow [time/money/space] for [something]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners may confuse this with giving permission; here it means making a plan with extra resources or time.
Visawe
allocate (Suggests deliberate setting aside of resources.)
Vinyume
overlook (Fail to plan or provide for something.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
allow time for
|allow money for
|allow space for
Mada
planning
|business
|work
|finance
|time
Mifano
- You should allow at least two hours for the journey.
- We must allow enough space for all the guests.
- The budget allows for unexpected expenses.
- Allow some time for the paint to dry.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- Allow ten minutes to walk to school.
- We allow money for food on the trip.
- Please allow extra time for traffic.
- Allow space between the chairs.
Kitenzi
C1
action
4
Accept a point in argument
To agree that something is true in a discussion, even if you don't like it.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to allow that [clause]
Kosa la kawaida:
'Allow that' is formal and rare in speech; learners may overuse it instead of 'admit' or 'agree'.
Visawe
concede (Often used when reluctantly admitting something.)
Vinyume
deny (Refuse to accept something as true.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
allow that
Mada
discussion
|debate
|communication
Mifano
- She allowed that she might have made a mistake.
- I allow that his idea has some merit.
- He allowed that their plan could work under certain conditions.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- I allow that you are right this time.
- He allows that it is a good idea.
- She allowed that she was wrong.
Sarufi
Umbo la kamusi
allow
IPA
GB/əlˈaʊ/
US/əlˈaʊ/
Silabi na mkazo
al - low (silabi 2)
Stress on 2nd syllable (low)
Maumbo ya neno
Verb
- Base: allow
- 3rd Person Singular: allows
- Present Participle: allowing
- Past: allowed
Familia ya neno
Forms
allows
verb
allowing
verb
allowed
verb
Core family
allowance
noun A2
Related words
allowable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
disallow
verb
unallowable
adjective
Semi
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.
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano
- 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.