allow
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,074 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 17,022 times across 175,173 chapters — 0.008% of every word in the library.
What it means
verb
- make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen also: let, permit This permits the water to rush inThis sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement
- consent to, give permission also: permit, let, countenance She permitted her son to visit her estranged husbandI won't let the police search her basement
- let have also: grant grant permissionMandela was allowed few visitors in prison
- give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause also: appropriate, earmark, set aside, reserve I will earmark this money for your researchShe sets aside time for meditation every day
- make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain also: leave, allow for, provide This leaves no room for improvementThe evidence allows only one conclusion
- allow or plan for a certain possibility; concede the truth or validity of something also: take into account I allow for this possibilityThe seamstress planned for 5% shrinkage after the first wash
allow in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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I allow him two years to establish himself in some position.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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The old gentleman would not allow me to be questioned before I had eaten.
The Adventures of Harry Richmond — Complete · George Meredith · Chapter 1
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We saw that Brown's shyness would not allow him to give up the lap-robe.
Following the Equator — Part 1 · Mark Twain · Chapter 1
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At Christmas time, the children's season, it is best to allow all who so desire to take part in the entertainment.
The White Christmas and other Merry · Walter Ben Hare · Chapter 1
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Then one day I wrote to my father, and asked whether he would allow me to be articled to a solicitor.
The Crown of Life · George Gissing · Chapter 1