allow
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈlaʊ/US/əˈlaʊ/
To give permission for someone to do something; to not prevent something from happening; to make it possible for something to happen or be done.
Example Sentences
Parents often allow their children to stay up later on weekends.
The software update will allow for smoother performance.
He wouldn't allow anyone to move his prized car from the driveway.
The new policy will allow employees to work remotely if they choose.
Please allow me to introduce my colleague, Dr. Smith.
The security measures don't allow unauthorized personnel to enter the premises.
Our manager decided to allow flexible schedules, especially for employees with young children, demonstrating the company's commitment to work-life balance.
They had to allow some extra time for traffic on the way to the airport, given the sudden road closures and detours that frequently occur during rush hour.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To grant or enable someone the opportunity to do something.This word is frequently used when giving permission, expressing approval, or acknowledging the right of another person or group to act in a certain way. In formal writing, it often appears in contexts such as regulations, policies, and legal documents, indicating what is permissible. For instance, an instruction might say, 'The policy allows employees to work remotely on Fridays.' In everyday conversation, 'allow' can be used politely to express consent, such as 'I’ll allow that exception just this once.' When combined with an indirect object, it clarifies who benefits from the permission or opportunity, like 'She allowed her friend to borrow the car.' As a versatile verb, 'allow' can also indicate making room for a possibility or margin of time, as in 'Plan your schedule to allow enough time for traffic.' Overall, it plays a key role in enabling or permitting actions and possibilities in both formal and casual communication.
Alternatives
There are several words that can serve as alternatives or near-synonyms to this term, each adding a slightly different nuance. 'Permit' is one option often used in formal contexts, especially when referring to official or legal authority. 'Authorize' underscores the speaker’s or an institution’s recognized power to grant permission. 'Enable' suggests providing the means or ability to carry out an action, rather than merely permitting it. Another related word, 'entitle,' implies a right or claim to something by virtue of legal or moral grounds. Meanwhile, 'empower' emphasizes granting someone the agency to act or influence. Carefully choose among these alternatives based on the formality, context, and emphasis you wish to convey. By doing so, you ensure that your message aligns effectively with both the setting and the intention behind your communication, reflecting subtle differences in meaning, scope, and authority.
Writing
When writing academically or professionally, consider the audience and context before using this word or its alternatives. If you need precision and a formal tone, 'permit' or 'authorize' might work better. If you wish to emphasize giving capability, 'enable' or 'empower' could be more suitable. Always ensure clarity by specifying who is doing the allowing and what action is being permitted. Avoid overuse of the term in long paragraphs—substitute with synonyms or rephrase to keep your text concise and engaging. By balancing the appropriate level of formality with clear attribution of permission, you guide readers through the logical flow of your argument or explanation. This practice ensures that your writing remains both accessible and authoritative.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, use this word to show that you are giving someone the go-ahead or making something possible. For instance, 'Could you allow me just a minute to finish this call?' conveys courtesy in a relaxed yet respectful tone. When discussing rules or personal boundaries with friends or family, phrases like 'I'll allow it this time' can add a friendly but firm note. Mix in synonyms such as 'let' or 'permit' to keep your language natural and varied. Maintaining a flexible approach when discussing permission helps you sound friendly, approachable, and considerate of others, supporting positive and clear communication in daily life.
Etymology
From the Late Latin ‘adlaudare,’ which originally meant ‘to praise, approve of,’ this term has evolved to signify the act of granting permission or making something feasible. By the Middle English period, it had shifted toward broader meanings like giving permission or conceding a right. Over centuries, its usage expanded to cover various contexts, from formal legal documents to casual speech. An interesting development is how commonly it appears in policy statements and user agreements today, highlighting its longstanding association with granting official or institutional consent. Despite its formal roots, it now finds a place in casual speech as well, seamlessly blending into everyday conversations where permission or possibility is a key component.
