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
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.