1 ▶CAN DO SOMETHING◀ to let someone do or have something, or let something happen ᅳsynonym permit allow somebody/something to do something My parents wouldn't allow me to go to the party.Women are not allowed to enter the mosque.Don't allow your problems to dominate your life. allow somebody something Passengers are allowed one item of hand luggage each.How much time are we allowed? allow somebody in/out/up etc I don't allow the cat in the bedroom.The audience is not allowed backstage. something is (not) allowed (=something is or is not officially permitted) Are dictionaries allowed in the exam?We don't allow diving in the pool. 2 ▶MAKE SOMETHING POSSIBLE◀ to make it possible for something to happen or for someone to do something, especially something helpful or useful ᅳsynonym permitThis adjustment of the figures allows a fairer comparison. allow for Our new system will allow for more efficient use of resources. allow somebody to do something A 24-hour ceasefire allowed the two armies to reach an agreement. allow somebody something a seatbelt that allows the driver greater freedom of movement 3 ▶HAVE ENOUGH OF SOMETHING◀ to be sure that you have enough time, money, food etc available for a particular purpose allow somebody something Allow yourselves plenty of time to get to the airport. allow something for somebody/something I've allowed half a bottle of wine for each person. 4 ▶CORRECT/PERMITTED◀ formal to accept that something is correct or true, or that something is acceptable according to the rules or law allow that I allow that there may have been a mistake. The judge allowed the evidence. 5 allow me formal used as a polite way of offering to help someone do something 'Allow me,' the waiter said, opening the door. ᅳsee also let 1 ᅳsee also forbid (1) allow for somebody/something phrasal verb to consider the possible facts, problems, costs etc involved in something when making a plan, calculation, or judgment Allowing for inflation, the cost of the project will be $2 million. You should always allow for the possibility that it might rain. allow of something phrasal verb to make it possible for something to happen or be accepted The facts allow of only one interpretation.
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