allow
uh-LOW
Allow (verb) means to give permission for something to happen. Example: “Our landlord does not allow dogs in the building.”
verb
1
To give permission for something to happen.
"Our landlord does not allow dogs in the building."
"The teacher allowed the students to leave early."
"Photography is not allowed inside the museum."
2
To make something possible.
"The new bridge allows traffic to flow much faster."
"Good software allows you to finish the work in half the time."
"The extra funding allowed the project to go ahead."
3
To set aside time, money, or another resource for something.
"Please allow two weeks for your parcel to arrive."
"We allowed plenty of money for food on the trip."
"Allow an extra hour for traffic on the way to the airport."
4
To admit or acknowledge something as true, often reluctantly.
"I allow that the plan is risky, but I still like it."
"He allowed that she had worked harder than anyone else."
"She allowed that he might have a point."
How to use allow
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo let something happen, or to set something aside in advance for a purpose.
Common pairings
allow time
allow for
not allowed
allow access
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- allows
- Past tense
- allowed
- Archaic forms
- allowest, allowedst, alloweth
Fill the gap
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Our landlord does not _____ dogs in the building.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman alouer, which blended two separate Latin roots — one meaning "to praise/approve" and one meaning "to place/assign" — giving English both the "permit" and "set aside" senses.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for allow
See all rhymes for allow →Frequently asked questions
What does “allow” mean?
The word “allow” means to give permission for something to happen. In plain terms, to let something happen, or to set something aside in advance for a purpose.
How do you pronounce “allow”?
“Allow” is pronounced uh-LOW (/əˈlaʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “allow” in a sentence?
Here is “allow” used in a sentence: “The teacher allowed the students to leave early.”
What is the opposite of “allow”?
The opposite of “allow” — its antonyms — are ban, forbid and prohibit.
What part of speech is “allow”?
“Allow” is a verb.
Where does the word “allow” come from?
The word “allow” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman alouer, which blended two separate Latin roots — one meaning "to praise/approve" and one meaning "to place/assign" — giving English both the "permit" and "set aside" senses.
Is “allow” a common word?
“Allow” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “allow” have?
“Allow” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give permission for something to happen.
What is the difference between 'allow' and 'permit'?
Both mean to let something happen, and they often swap freely. 'Allow' is the everyday word and slightly more passive — not standing in the way. 'Permit' is more formal and active, suggesting official approval — 'permits are required.' You might allow a child to stay up late, but a council permits building work.
What is the opposite of 'allow'?
The main opposites are 'forbid,' 'prohibit,' and 'ban' — all meaning to refuse permission and stop something from happening. 'Allow' opens the door to an action; these close it. 'Prevent' and 'deny' also work, depending on context, when someone is stopped from doing what they wished.
Is 'allow' formal or informal?
'Allow' is neutral — comfortable in both casual speech and formal writing. 'Please allow me' sounds polite and everyday, while 'guests are not allowed inside' suits official notices. For a more formal tone, writers often reach for 'permit' or 'authorise,' but 'allow' fits almost any situation.
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