Allowance: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually refers to a set amount of money given regularly to someone, often for personal spending. Often used for children to teach them financial responsibility.

• Jane saves part of her weekly allowance to buy a new bike
• The company provides a travel allowance to cover transportation costs

Often used in academic, research, or public service contexts. It usually refers to financial aid given for a specific purpose that doesn't need to be repaid.

• He received a grant to complete his research project
• Many students apply for grants to help pay for their education

Commonly used for a fixed, regular payment given to interns, trainees, or fellowship recipients. It is often associated with educational or training contexts.

• The graduate student receives a monthly stipend to cover living expenses
• Interns are provided with a stipend to compensate for their work

Refers to financial assistance given by the government or an organization to help reduce the cost of a service or commodity. Often used in economic and public policy discussions.

• The government offers a subsidy for renewable energy installations
• Farmers receive subsidies to help stabilize food prices

Often used to refer to a set amount of resources, such as money or time, that is given on a regular basis, often for personal use.

• He receives a weekly allowance from his parents
• The company provides a travel allowance for its employees

Used to set a maximum boundary or restriction on something, often to control or regulate it. This term can sometimes carry a negative connotation as it implies restriction.

• There's a limit on how many people can enter the building
• They set a limit on the amount of time we could spend on the project

Typically used in business and academic contexts to denote a specific amount or number that someone is required or expected to achieve, often within a certain timeframe.

• The sales team has to meet a quarterly quota
• The immigration office has a quota for the number of visas they can issue each year

Commonly used in formal or business contexts to describe the distribution or assignment of resources or responsibilities.

• The budget allocation for this project is much higher than last year
• The manager is responsible for the allocation of tasks within the team

Use this when referring to a regular, often monetary, amount given or allocated, especially for specific purposes.

• He receives a weekly allowance from his parents.
• The budget includes an allowance for emergencies.