allow

(verb)

verb

1. make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

- This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement

Similar word(s): let, permit

Definition categories: social

2. consent to, give permission

- I cannot allow you to see your exam

Similar word(s): countenance, let, permit

Definition categories: communication, accept, consent

3. let have

- Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison

Similar word(s): grant

Definition categories: possession, give

4. give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

Similar word(s): appropriate, earmark, reserve

Definition categories: cognition, allot, assign, portion

5. make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain

- The evidence allows only one conclusion

- allow for mistakes

Similar word(s): leave, provide

Definition categories: stative, afford, give, yield

6. allow or plan for a certain possibility; concede the truth or validity of something

- I allow for this possibility

Definition categories: cognition, calculate, estimate, figure, forecast, reckon

7. afford possibility

- This short story allows of several different interpretations

Similar word(s): admit

Definition categories: stative

8. allow the other (baseball) team to score

Definition categories: social

9. grant as a discount or in exchange

- The camera store owner allowed me $50 on my old camera

Definition categories: possession, discount

10. allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting

- We don't allow dogs here

Similar word(s): permit, tolerate

Definition categories: communication, allow, countenance, let, permit

Sentences with allow as a verb:

- to allow a servant his liberty;

- to allow a right;

- To allow a sum for leakage.

- To allow a son to be absent.

- Smoking allowed only in designated areas.

- Although I don't consent to their holding such meetings, I will allow them for the time being.

- When calculating a budget for a construction project, always allow for contingencies.