The word “allow” is a common term that we use in our daily lives. It is a verb that means to give permission or to make something possible. In this article, we will explore the different definitions, origins, meanings, and associations of the word “allow.”
Definitions
The word “allow” has several definitions. It can mean to permit or authorize something, to give someone the chance to do something, to acknowledge or recognize something, or to make something possible.
Origin
The word “allow” comes from the Old French word “alouer,” which means “to approve.” The word was later adopted into Middle English as “allouen,” which meant “to commend or approve.” Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to its current definition of giving permission.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “allow” means to “give permission for something to happen or to permit something.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to permit by neglect, oversight, or the passage of time.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to give permission for someone to do something or to not prevent something from happening.”
Associations
The word “allow” is often associated with giving permission or granting access to something. It can also be associated with the idea of being lenient or forgiving.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for the word “allow” include permit, authorize, sanction, enable, empower, and grant.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for the word “allow” include forbid, prohibit, disallow, prevent, and block.
The same root words
The word “allow” shares the same root word with other related terms such as allowance, allowable, and allowable.
Example Sentences
- I will allow you to use my computer for your project.
- The teacher allowed the students to work in groups.
- The company policy does not allow employees to use their phones during work hours.
- The judge allowed the evidence to be presented in court.
- The new regulations allow for more flexibility in scheduling.