Allowable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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allowable

[əˈlaʊəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

law

Permitted or allowed within certain limits or under certain conditions.

Synonyms

acceptable, permissible, permitted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allowable

Often used in legal or financial contexts to specify what is permitted within guidelines or regulations.

  • The deductible expenses for this tax year are allowable up to $2000
permissible

Used in formal contexts to indicate something that is allowed within specific rules or regulations.

  • It is permissible to park your car here overnight on weekends
acceptable

Used to describe something that meets a certain standard or is agreed upon by a group of people or society.

  • The behavior was not acceptable at the formal dinner
permitted

Often used to indicate specific permissions granted for certain actions or behaviors.

  • Smoking is not permitted inside the building

Examples of usage

  • It is not allowable to park here overnight.
  • The company has set strict allowable limits for expenses.
  • She exceeded the allowable number of absences and was fired.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

The maximum amount of something that is permitted.

Synonyms

allowance, limit, maximum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allowable

This term is used to describe something that is permitted or acceptable within certain rules or limits.

  • The allowable speed on this road is 55 miles per hour
  • The allowable expense for this project is $2000
limit

This word is used when referring to the maximum amount, level, or degree something can reach.

  • There is a limit to how much you can carry on the airplane
  • The speed limit here is 60 kilometers per hour
maximum

This term is used to denote the highest possible amount, degree, or level permitted or achievable.

  • The maximum capacity of the elevator is 10 people
  • The temperature outside reached its maximum for the day at 2 PM
allowance

This term is typically used to denote a specific amount of money or resources that are given regularly for a particular purpose.

  • She gives her children a weekly allowance
  • The company provided an allowance for travel expenses

Examples of usage

  • The allowable for business meals has been increased this year.
  • The insurance policy specifies the allowable for repairs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, allowable often refers to actions or expenses that are permitted under specific laws and regulations.
  • Tax laws frequently outline what expenditures are allowable for deduction purposes.
  • In contract law, allowable actions are those that conform to the agreed terms between parties.

Business Practices

  • In corporate settings, allowable limits can refer to spending caps on projects or budgets.
  • Allowable costs are expenses that an organization is permitted to claim for reimbursement or budgeting.
  • Understanding allowable practices can help in compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Education

  • In schools, allowable behaviors are those that students are permitted to exhibit, such as discussing freely in group activities.
  • Educational institutions often set allowable criteria for grading and assessment.
  • Understanding what is allowable can assist students in navigating academic policies.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that understanding boundaries helps individuals navigate social interactions effectively.
  • Allowable behaviors in therapy often encourage clients to explore their feelings within a safe framework.
  • Psychological safety is enhanced when clear allowable actions are established in group settings.

Origin of 'allowable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'alouer', which means to approve or allow.
  • It first appeared in the English language around the late 14th century.
  • The root of 'allow' involves the idea of granting permission.

The word 'allowable' originated from the verb 'allow', which comes from the Old French word 'alouer' meaning 'to approve'. The suffix '-able' is used to form adjectives indicating 'capable of, fit for, tending to'. Therefore, 'allowable' refers to something that is capable of being allowed or permitted within certain limits.


See also: allow, allowance, allowed, allowing, disallow.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,044 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.