Allow: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in everyday language to grant permission for something to happen.

• She allowed her children to stay up late.
• The teacher allowed extra time for the exam.

Formal; typically used in official or legal contexts to give permission.

• Smoking is not permitted in this building.
• The city council did not permit the construction of the new mall.

Informal; used in everyday conversations to grant permission or express willingness.

• Let me help you with that.
• Her parents let her go to the party.

Used in formal or official contexts where someone in a position of authority grants permission or power.

• The manager authorized the purchase of new equipment.
• Only the director can authorize such changes.

Used to indicate making something possible or easier, often by providing the necessary means or support.

• The new software enables users to edit videos more easily.
• The scholarship enabled him to attend college.

Use when you let someone do something or let something happen, often implying permission or lack of prevention.

• Parents usually allow their children to play outside after school.
• The new rule will allow more employees to work remotely.

Use when you make it possible for someone to do something by providing the means or opportunity.

• Strong leadership can enable a team to achieve its goals.
• The new software will enable users to edit documents more efficiently.

Use when you make a process easier or smoother, usually implying active help or intervention.

• The translator helped facilitate communication between the two parties.
• New technology can facilitate faster delivery times.

Use when you give someone formal or official permission to do something, often implying authority.

• The sign says the park permits entry from dawn to dusk.
• The manager permits employees to leave early on Fridays.

Use to describe something that allows another thing to happen, often implying more than one factor or condition.

• Good planning and hard work make possible the success of large projects.
• Scientific advancements make possible new treatments for diseases.

Commonly used to indicate giving permission for something, typically in a formal or informal context

• I will allow you to stay out late tonight.
• The teacher allowed the students to leave early.

Generally employed to indicate putting up with something or someone, often implying passive acceptance rather than full approval. Can have a negative connotation.

• She could no longer tolerate his rude behavior.
• This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

Used to describe the action of tolerating something difficult or painful over an extended period. More formal.

• She had to endure the harsh conditions of the desert.
• He endured years of hardship to achieve success.

Frequently used in formal contexts or official situations where authorization is required.

• The city council permitted the construction of the new park.
• You need a permit to fish in this lake.

Often used to mean enduring or putting up with something unpleasant. Has a slightly heavier emotional load.

• I cannot bear this pain anymore.
• He had to bear the burden of his family alone.