allow

verb Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French aluer, alouer to place, apportion, allow, from Middle French allocare — more at allocate Date: 14th century transitive verb 1. a. to assign as a share or suitable amount (as of time or money) <

allow an hour for lunch

> b. to reckon as a deduction or an addition <

allow a gallon for leakage

> 2. a. chiefly Southern & Midland to be of the opinion ; think b. dialect say, state c. to express an opinion — usually used with as how or that 3. chiefly Southern & Midland intend, plan 4. admit, concede <

must allow that money causes problems in marriage

> 5. a. permit <

doesn't allow people to smoke in his home

> b. to forbear or neglect to restrain or prevent <

allow the dog to roam

> intransitive verb 1. to make a possibility ; admit — used with of <

evidence that allows of only one conclusion

> 2. to give consideration to circumstances or contingencies — used with for <

allow for expansion

>