English dictionary



Hint: Click 'Bookmark' to add this page to your favorites.

English verb: allow

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


SamplesThis permits the water to rush in.
This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement.
This will permit the rain to run off.


Synonymslet, permit


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody INFINITIVE.
Something ----s INFINITIVE


Narrower (hyponym)pass


Antonymsprevent, keep

2. allow (communication) consent to, give permission


SamplesShe permitted her son to visit her estranged husband.
I won't let the police search her basement.
I cannot allow you to see your exam.


ExamplesThey allow him to write the letter


Synonymscountenance, let, permit


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE


Broader (hypernym)accept, consent, go for


Narrower (hyponym)abide, admit, admit, allow, allow in, authorise, authorize, bear, brook, clear, decriminalise, decriminalize, digest, endure, favor, favour, furlough, give, include, intromit, legalise, legalize, legitimate, legitimatise, legitimatize, legitimise, legitimize, let in, let in, pass, permit, privilege, put up, stand, stick out, stomach, suffer, support, tolerate, tolerate, trust


Verb groupallow, grant


Antonymsdisallow, forbid, nix, prohibit, proscribe, interdict, veto

3. allow (possession) let have


SamplesGrant permission.
Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison.


Synonymsgrant


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody something


Broader (hypernym)give


Narrower (hyponym)allowance, vouchsafe


Verb groupallow, countenance, let, permit


Antonymsdeny, refuse

4. allow (cognition) give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause


SamplesI will earmark this money for your research.
She sets aside time for meditation every day.


Synonymsappropriate, earmark, reserve, set aside


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s something to somebody


Broader (hypernym)allot, assign, portion

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


SamplesThis leaves no room for improvement.
The evidence allows only one conclusion.
Allow for mistakes.
Leave lots of time for the trip.
This procedure provides for lots of leeway.


Synonymsallow for, leave, provide


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)afford, give, yield


Verb groupadmit, allow

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


SamplesI allow for this possibility.
The seamstress planned for 5% shrinkage after the first wash.


Synonymstake into account


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE


Broader (hypernym)calculate, count on, estimate, figure, forecast, reckon


Narrower (hyponym)budget for

7. allow (stative) afford possibility


SamplesThis problem admits of no solution.
This short story allows of several different interpretations.


Synonymsadmit


Pattern of useSomething is ----ing PP


Verb groupallow, allow for, leave, provide

8. allow (social) allow the other (baseball) team to score


SamplesGive up a run.


Synonymsgive up


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something

9. allow (possession) grant as a discount or in exchange


SamplesThe camera store owner allowed me $50 on my old camera.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody something


Broader (hypernym)discount

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


SamplesWe don't allow dogs here.
Children are not permitted beyond this point.
We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital.


Synonymspermit, tolerate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)allow, countenance, let, permit









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
Web design: Orcapia v/Per Bang. English edition: .
2024 onlineordbog.dk