Allowance is a term that is commonly used in everyday language. It is a word that has a variety of meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. The term is often used to describe a sum of money that is given to someone on a regular basis, usually a child or teenager, to help them learn how to manage their finances. However, it can also be used to describe a variety of other things, such as exemptions, discounts, or even the amount of space that is allotted for a particular purpose. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of the word allowance, as well as its origins and associations.
Definitions
There are several different definitions of the word allowance, depending on the context in which it is used. Some of the most common definitions include:
- A sum of money that is given to someone on a regular basis, usually a child or teenager, to help them learn how to manage their finances.
- The amount of space that is allotted for a particular purpose, such as a parking space or a storage room.
- An exemption or discount that is given to someone, such as a tax allowance or a travel allowance.
- The act of tolerating or accepting something, such as allowing someone to speak their mind or allowing a certain behavior to continue.
Origin
The word allowance has its roots in the Old French word “alouance,” which means “allotment” or “allowance.” It was first used in English in the 14th century, and originally referred to the act of allotting or assigning something. Over time, the word came to be associated with the idea of giving someone a regular sum of money, and this is the most common usage of the term today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of allowance can vary slightly depending on the dictionary that you consult. Here are some of the definitions that you might find:
- Merriam-Webster: a sum of money given regularly as a means of allowance.
- Oxford English Dictionary: a sum of money paid regularly to a person, typically a child, by a parent or guardian.
- Dictionary.com: a sum of money allotted or granted to a person on a regular basis, as for personal expenses.
- Cambridge Dictionary: an amount of money that is given to someone regularly or for a particular purpose.
Associations
The word allowance is often associated with the idea of teaching children or teenagers how to manage their finances. It is also associated with the idea of being given something on a regular basis, whether it is money or some other type of benefit. Additionally, the word can be associated with the idea of tolerance or acceptance, as in the phrase “allowance for differences.”
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for the word allowance, including:
- Stipend.
- Grant.
- Subsidy.
- Allotment.
- Allocation.
- Dispensation.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for the word allowance include:
- Restriction.
- Prohibition.
- Denial.
- Refusal.
- Rejection.
The same root words
There are several words that share the same root as allowance, including:
- Allowable.
- Allowanceless.
- Allowancer.
Example Sentences
- My parents give me a weekly allowance so that I can learn how to manage my money.
- The parking lot has a maximum allowance of two hours per vehicle.
- I was able to claim a tax allowance for my business expenses.
- We need to make allowance for the fact that not everyone speaks English as their first language.