allowance
noun (countable)
UK/əˈlaʊ.əns/US/əˈlaʊ.əns/
A permissible difference between the measured and actual dimensions of a part (in engineering and manufacturing)
Example Sentences
Engineers set a tight allowance for the parts to ensure they fit together perfectly during assembly.
The manufacturing process allows for a small allowance to account for material expansion and contraction.
By specifying the correct allowance, the machinist was able to produce components that met the required specifications.
The designer included an allowance in the blueprint to facilitate easy installation of the fixtures.
Quality control checks ensure that all parts adhere to the defined allowances, maintaining the integrity of the final product.
Adjusting the allowance can affect the overall durability and performance of the machinery.
The precision of the allowance determines how smoothly the gears will operate in the mechanical system.
To prevent parts from being too loose, a minimal allowance was maintained throughout the production process.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A set amount of money, or a permitted margin or consideration for certain needs.Use “allowance” to describe a monetary sum or leeway given for a particular purpose. Often, it refers to regular payments, like funds parents give children for chores or personal expenses—“I got a small weekly allowance from my parents to buy snacks.” In finance or accounting, an allowance might be a budget line set aside to cover certain costs, such as a travel allowance or living allowance. The term can also refer to permitted flexibility in rules, like a “weight allowance” for luggage or a “time allowance” for late arrivals, signifying an extra margin granted under specific circumstances. In legal or professional contexts, you might see phrases like “tax allowance,” indicating an amount subtracted from income before taxation. Overall, “allowance” underscores that someone is explicitly granted a resource—usually money or an agreed-upon flexibility—within defined parameters.
Alternatives
Depending on context, synonyms might include “stipend,” “budget,” or “allocation.” “Stipend” often emphasizes a fixed sum paid regularly for a service—like a graduate student stipend. “Budget” can mean a broader financial plan but sometimes refers to a portion earmarked for a particular purpose. “Allocation” highlights a planned distribution of resources and can be more formal. Meanwhile, “provision” may signal the act of supplying needed resources or special conditions. In everyday speech, “pocket money” is sometimes used for smaller amounts given to children. Choosing the right word depends on whether you’re focusing on the routine payment aspect (stipend, pocket money), the formal distribution (allocation), or the general monetary arrangement (allowance). Each captures a slightly different reason or structure behind granting financial resources or other permitted margins.
Writing
When writing about “allowance,” clarify who grants it, why it’s given, and how it’s used. For financial or professional documents, specify the nature of the allowance—like a housing allowance for employees relocating to a more expensive city or a clothing allowance for uniforms. You can detail conditions or eligibility: “Employees who relocate are eligible for a monthly housing allowance to offset higher rent.” In stories or personal essays, you might describe children learning responsibility through a weekly allowance. If the context involves a regulatory or rules-based scenario, point out the exact parameter, e.g., “There’s a five-pound weight allowance on checked luggage.” Where possible, add specifics—like amounts, frequency, or circumstances—to help readers grasp the significance. Explaining how an allowance impacts daily life (e.g., letting a child learn budgeting, helping an employee handle costs) offers depth. Pairing “allowance” with reasons and outcomes frames it as an intentional resource or margin that meets a practical need.
Casual Conversation
In everyday chat, “allowance” typically refers to the money kids receive from parents—“My parents used to give me a small allowance for doing chores.” Friends might also talk about a “monthly allowance” from scholarship funds or a set budget for fun expenses. Another casual use is about letting oneself a certain margin: “I gave myself a five-minute allowance to avoid being late.” Though less formal, this still conveys the idea of a granted buffer—whether money or time. If you say, “I’m on a strict allowance for dining out,” it implies you’ve set a limited budget for restaurants. “Allowance” remains straightforward and signals an intentional boundary or resource that you (or someone else) decided on. It can also hint at the freedom you gain once you have these allocated funds or permissions—like feeling more confident or relaxed knowing you have a bit of extra wiggle room in your budget or schedule.
Etymology
“Allowance” traces back to the Middle English word “allowance,” from the Old French “alouance,” itself derived from “alouer,” meaning “to approve” or “to grant.” This root connects to the Latin “adlaudare,” implying praise, consent, or endorsement. Historically, giving an “allowance” meant approving a sum or resource granted to someone, whether for personal support or professional expenses. Over centuries, the concept expanded to all sorts of sanctioned provisions—ranging from children’s pocket money to formal allocations in legal and corporate settings. While modern usage emphasizes a permitted resource or margin, its linguistic lineage points to the notion of someone in authority giving authorization, praise, or approval—hence bestowing the right or means to use certain resources or enjoy specific freedoms.