Allowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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allowed

[əˈlaʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a specific situation

Permitted to do something, often referring to a specific action or behavior.

Synonyms

approved, authorized, permitted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allowed

Used in general contexts to indicate that something is not prohibited.

  • She is allowed to go to the party
  • Pets are allowed in this park
permitted

Used to indicate that something is allowed, often in formal or legal contexts.

  • Smoking is not permitted in the building
  • Is it permitted to park here?
authorized

Used in formal contexts to indicate official permission, often implying that someone with the proper authority has granted it.

  • Only authorized personnel can access this area
  • The bank authorized the transaction
approved

Used when something has been accepted or agreed upon officially, often by an authority.

  • The new policy was approved by the board
  • His visa application was approved

Examples of usage

  • Smoking is not allowed in this building.
  • Only ticket holders are allowed entry to the concert.
  • She is allowed to bring her own snacks to the movie theater.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a general sense

Permitted or not forbidden according to a specific set of rules or standards.

Synonyms

acceptable, admissible, permissible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allowed

Used to describe something that is permitted, often in a more informal or everyday context.

  • Are we allowed to park here? Pets are not allowed in this building
acceptable

Typically employed to indicate something that meets a certain standard or is satisfactory; often used in a more formal context than 'allowed'.

  • Her work was acceptable, but there is room for improvement
  • It’s not acceptable to arrive late to the meeting
permissible

Commonly used in formal or official contexts to describe something that is allowed according to a rule, law, or guideline.

  • Smoking is not permissible in this area
  • Is it permissible for students to use calculators during the exam?
admissible

Usually used in a legal or formal context to describe something that is considered valid or allowable, often referring to evidence or data presented in a legal proceeding.

  • This evidence is not admissible in court
  • Only certain types of documents are admissible for verification

Examples of usage

  • Are pets allowed in this hotel?
  • Is photography allowed in this museum?
  • Is outside food allowed in this restaurant?

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the concept of what is 'allowed' varies widely, influencing laws and social customs.
  • Different societies have distinct norms about what behaviors are permitted, affecting interpersonal relationships.
  • Certain rites of passage in cultures may include formal declarations of what is allowed at different life stages.

Legal Context

  • In law, 'allowed' typically refers to actions or practices that are permitted under legal statutes or regulations.
  • The term is often used in courtroom settings to determine if certain evidence or actions are permissible.
  • Legal systems worldwide use the concept to establish rights, responsibilities, and social order.

Psychology

  • Understanding what is allowed can influence behavior and personal boundaries, affecting mental health and well-being.
  • Cognitive development in children often revolves around understanding rules about what is permitted.
  • People may feel empowered or restricted based on their perceptions of what is allowed within their environments.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face dilemmas based on what is 'allowed', driving plot and character development.
  • Stories often explore conflicts between societal rules and personal desires, highlighting what is acceptable.
  • Literary themes frequently interrogate the boundaries of freedom and the constraints of societal norms.

Origin of 'allowed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'alouer', which means to approve or admit.
  • Originally derived from the Latin word 'admittere', meaning 'to send to' or 'to let in'.
  • The evolution of the term reflects changing notions of permission throughout history.

The word 'allowed' comes from the Middle English word 'alouen', which means 'to approve'. It has roots in Old French and Latin. Over time, the word has evolved to represent the concept of permission or authorization in various contexts.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At #693 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.