allow

To say that someone can do something, or let something happen.

• We allow pets here.
• My parents allowed me to stay out late.
• Are visitors allowed to take photos?

How to use it: allow someone to do something (They allow children to use the pool.); allow something (The hotel does not allow smoking.); be allowed to do something (We are allowed to leave early.)

Similar words: let, permit

Opposites: forbid, ban

Common phrases: allow someone to, allow smoking, allow pets, allow someone in

To give someone a particular amount of time, money, or something else for a purpose.

• Allow each student ten minutes.
• The company allows fifty euros a day for meals.
• We allowed two days for the journey.

How to use it: allow someone something (The teacher allowed us an extra hour.); allow something for something (Allow thirty minutes for lunch.)

Similar words: allocate, allot, give

Common phrases: allow someone something, allow enough time, allow a day

To make a particular possibility or explanation reasonable.

• The evidence allows of two explanations.
• These circumstances allow of no delay.
• Does the wording allow of another interpretation?

How to use it: allow of something (The facts allow of only one conclusion.)

Similar words: admit of, permit

Common phrases: allow of something, allow of doubt