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 verb 1 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 a chiefly Southern & Midland : to be of the opinion : think b dialect : say, state c : to express an opinion —usually used with as how or that
3 chiefly Southern & Midland : intend, plan
4 : 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 verb 1 : 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>