allow Hear it!

allow definition

al·low (ə lo̵u′)

transitive verb

  1. to let do, happen, etc.; permit; let we weren't allowed to go
  2. to let have she allowed herself no sweets
  3. to let enter or stay dogs are not allowed
  4. to admit (a claim or the like); acknowledge as true or valid
  5. to provide or allot (a certain amount, period of time, etc.) for a purpose allow an inch for shrinkage
  6. Dialectal
    1. to think; give as one's opinion
    2. to intend

Etymology: ME alowen < OFr alouer < ML allocare, allocate; assoc. with OFr alouer < L allaudare, to extol < ad-, to + laudare, to praise

allow Idioms

allow for

to make allowance, provision, etc. for; keep in mind allow for the difference in their ages

allow of

to be subject to; admit of

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.