Main Entry:

al·low

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈlau̇\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French aluer, alouer to place, apportion, allow, from Middle French allocare — more at allocate

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1 a: to assign as a share or suitable amount (as of time or money) <allow an hour for lunch> b: to reckon as a deduction or an addition <allow a gallon for leakage>2 achiefly Southern & Midland : to be of the opinion : think bdialect : say, state c: to express an opinion —usually used with as how or that3chiefly Southern & Midland : intend, plan4: admit, concede <must allow that money causes problems in marriage>5 a: permit <doesn't allow people to smoke in his home> b: to forbear or neglect to restrain or prevent <allow the dog to roam>intransitive verb1: to make a possibility : admit —used with of<evidence that allows of only one conclusion>2: to give consideration to circumstances or contingencies —used with for<allow for expansion>