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Glite Dictionary
✅ To permit 📝 To make provision ⏳ To set aside 💸 To give a deduction
to allow

to allow

∞ 1.0
To let something happen or let someone do something
  • verb
  • /əˈlaʊ/
translation icon : permitir
  • In this country, we're proud to allow people express themselves.
  • allow time
  • allow access
  • allow students

You have got to allow these people to flinch.

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Examples

  • But I'm going to allow him to answer.

    Rampage (1987)

  • My parents said I'm not allowed to talk to strangers.

    Jack Be Nimble (2022)

  • What is it that allows them to learn fast?

    Tom Bilyeu

  • The work has allowed me to be free.

    Jay Shetty Podcast

  • I believe that social networks allow everyone to have their own perspective on things.

    #No_Filter (2022)

  • This ancient invention allows people to see through walls.

  • When you keep the API open, it allows more room for innovation.

  • They said it is time to allow the world to know truth.

  • Having multiple versions of a technology tool can allow teachers to be responsive to all learners.

    Academic text (2015)

  • The new policy will allow employees to take vacation days without penalties.

Synonyms

to let
vsto allow
∞ 1.0

Allow someone to do something or something to happen

describes the general action of not stopping something from happening
to grant
vsto allow
  • Formal
565 3.3

To officially give permission, rights, or money to someone

is the broader act of not stopping something rather than formally giving it
to permit
vsto allow
531 1.5

To allow someone to do something

focuses on not stopping something rather than actively giving formal permission
to authorize
vsto allow
489 4.4

To give official permission for someone to do something

focuses on not stopping action rather than issuing formal permission
to enable
vsto allow
459 2.3

To give someone the ability or chance to do something

describes not stopping something rather than actively providing the means
to let in
vsto allow
252 1.0

Allow someone or something to enter a place

is the broader act of not stopping things, not only giving entry
to admit
vsto allow
188 1.6

Allow someone to enter a place

is the broad action of not stopping things, not only giving entry
to allow in
vsto allow
172 1.3

Let someone or something enter a place

is the general act of not stopping things, not limited to entry cases
to empower
vsto allow
157 4.2

Give someone the power and confidence to do something

means not stopping something from happening rather than actively giving power
to provide for
vsto allow
155 3.7

Make plans to meet someone's needs in the future

describes not stopping something rather than planning or arranging for it
to make it possible
vsto allow
88 2.4

To allow someone or something to do what they could not before

refers to making something happen by not stopping it rather than creating conditions
to tolerate
vsto allow
56 3.2

Allow people or ideas you do not agree with

is the simple noninterference, not implying acceptance or endurance
to countenance
vsto allow
  • Formal
10 8.3

To allow something by showing approval

is mere noninterference rather than explicit approval or formal support

Antonyms

to prevent
∞ 2.3

Stop something from happening or someone from doing it

to deny
423 1.6

To refuse to let someone have something

to forbid
60 2.8

Stop something from happening

to disallow
  • Formal
16 3.9

To refuse to allow something, usually by an official rule

Phrasal Verbs

to allow in
172 1.3

Let someone or something enter a place

to allow for
158 3.1

Consider or include something when planning

How Permissive

to authorize
489 4.4
to permit
531 1.5
to allow
∞ 1.0
to let
∞ 1.0
to tolerate
290 3.5

Surface Forms

allow infinitive
allowed past
allowed past participle
allowing present participle
allows third person singular

Etymology

Allow comes from an old French word based on the Latin laudare, which means 'to praise' or 'approve', so to allow someone is to give them approval and 'let' them do something.