allow

verb

uh-LOW/əˈlaʊ/

Formsallows, allowing, allowed

12 meanings of allow

Practice

1
let happenverbtransitive
To make something possible, or to let it happen by not stopping it.
Like leaving a door open instead of shutting it.
A tiny crack can allow water to leak into the basement.
Wide doors allowed the crowd to move through easily.
UsageSay allow something to happen: allow water to get in.
Note
2
give permissionverbcatenativetransitive
To give permission for an action, or let someone do something.
Like opening a gate so someone can walk through.
My parents allow me to stay up late on weekends.
The teacher allowed one short break during the test.
UsageSay allow someone to do something, but let someone do something: allow him to go, let him go.
Similarpermit, let, authorize
Oppositeforbid, prohibit, ban
3
plan forverbtransitive
To plan for something by setting aside enough time, money or other things for it.
Like packing extra snacks in case you get hungry later.
Always allow extra time for traffic on busy mornings.
We allowed plenty of food for unexpected guests.
UsageSay allow for what might happen (allow for traffic) or allow the extra amount (allow two days).
Similarbudget, reserve
4
verb
To let someone have a particular amount of something.
Like sharing a pizza so everyone gets the same number of slices.
The coach allows each player twenty minutes on the field.
They allow every child one treat after dinner.
UsageName the person first, then the amount: allow each child one treat.
Similargrant, allot, give
Oppositedeny
Note
5
let opponents scoreverbtransitivesports
In sports, to let the other player or team score points or gain ground.
Our goalie did not allow a single goal all game.
The pitcher allowed two runs in the first inning.
UsageYou can also say give up: the pitcher gave up two runs.
Similaryield, concede, surrender
Note

Less common meanings

6
admitverbtransitive
To agree that something is true and accept it.
Like nodding to say, "Yes, you are right."
She allowed that her brother had been right all along.
I'll allow that you were right about the weather.
UsageOften said as allow that + what you agree is true: I allow that you were right.
Similarconcede, admit, acknowledge, grant
Oppositedeny, dispute
Note
7
court rulingverbtransitive
To officially say yes to a request that someone makes to a court.
Like a referee who agrees a player's complaint is fair and changes the call.
The judge listened to both sides and decided to allow the request.
The court chose to allow her appeal and overturn the fine.
UsageA court allows the request, such as an appeal, not the person who asked.
Similargrant, uphold
Oppositedeny, dismiss, reject
Note
8
verbtransitive
To take an amount off a price or total, or add it on.
Like taking a few coins off the price because something is broken.
The store allowed ten dollars off for the damaged box.
They allow a discount when you pay early.
UsageSay allow an amount for something or off a price: ten dollars off.
9
verbdialectalMulticultural London Englishtransitive
To not bother with something and let it pass.
Like skipping a tiny spot when cleaning because it doesn't matter.
Just allow it, man, he's not worth the argument.
'You want to walk there in this rain?' 'Nah, allow that.'
UsageUsually said as allow it or allow that.
Similaroverlook, ignore
Note
10
verbobsoletetransitive
To praise something, or to approve of it.
Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers
1611, The Holy Bible, King James VersionHere, allow means approve of or praise the deeds.
We commend his pains, condemn his pride, allow his life, approve his learning.
1842, Thomas Fuller, Church History of BritainHere, allow means approve of or praise his way of life.
Note
11
verbobsoletetransitive
To like something or be pleased with it.
How allow you the model of these clothes?
1632, Philip Massinger, Nathan FieldHere, allow means like, asking how you like the clothes.
Note
12
verbobsolete
To officially approve someone, or to trust them with something.
Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of allow apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

This word came into Middle English from Anglo-Norman "allouer," which came from Latin words meaning "to praise" and "to assign."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts

Allow entered Middle English from Anglo-Norman allouer. en.wiktionary.org
The Anglo-Norman word derives from merged Latin verbs. en.wiktionary.org
The Latin ancestor allaudāre means to praise. en.wiktionary.org
The Latin ancestor allocāre means to assign. en.wiktionary.org