Letting: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'letting' in informal contexts when you allow someone to do something without too many formalities.

• She's letting the kids play outside.
• Thank you for letting me borrow your book.

Use 'allowing' when granting permission in a neutral or formal way.

• The teacher is allowing more time for the assignment.
• Are you allowing pets in your new house?

Use 'permitting' in formal or regulatory contexts where rules and permissions are involved.

• The city is permitting new construction in the area.
• Are they permitting visitors at the hospital?

Use 'granting' when giving formal permission, often with a sense of bestowal or generosity.

• They are granting scholarships to students.
• The judge is granting the request for bail.

Use 'authorizing' in official or legal contexts where formal consent or power is given.

• The manager is authorizing the budget for the project.
• The government is authorizing new policies.

Often used in British English when referring to temporarily allowing someone to use a property in exchange for payment.

• The letting process was straightforward and quick.
• They found a letting agency to manage their property.

Refers to the action of paying to use something, typically a residence or vehicle, often on a monthly basis.

• She is renting an apartment near her workplace.
• They considered renting a van for the road trip.

Commonly used in both British and American English, usually for a longer-term rental agreement, especially for cars, equipment, or commercial property.

• He is leasing a new car for three years.
• The company decided to lease office space downtown.

Describes the act of paying to use something for a specific period, can be used for various items like houses, cars, or equipment.

• They are looking for a short-term rental while their house is being renovated.
• The rental agreement includes maintenance services.

A legal term referring to the possession of land or property by lease, often used in formal contexts.

• The tenancy agreement was signed last week.
• His tenancy will end in December.