Allow Meaning
Allow Definition & Usage
To permit or give consent for something to happen.
Examples
- "The teacher allowed the students to leave early."
- "Her parents allowed her to travel abroad for the summer."
- "I wouldn’t allow anyone to speak to me like that."
- "They allowed the children to play outside after finishing their homework."
- "The manager allowed extra time for the meeting."
To enable or make something possible.
Examples
- "The new software allows users to edit videos with ease."
- "The design of the car allows for more legroom."
- "This grant allows the research team to continue their studies."
- "Having a good internet connection allows you to work from home effectively."
- "The new laws will allow for greater environmental protection."
To tolerate or accept without interference.
Examples
- "She allowed the situation to unfold without intervening."
- "The company allowed the dispute to go on for too long."
- "He allowed his friend to express his views, even though he disagreed."
- "I allow myself some time each day to relax and recharge."
- "They allowed the child to make mistakes as part of his learning."
Cultural Context
The verb 'allow' has been in use for centuries and is derived from Old French 'alouer', influenced by the Latin 'allocare' meaning to place or allocate. The verb is widely used in both formal and informal settings and is part of everyday speech.
The Choice to Allow
Story
The Choice to Allow
Lena had always been the responsible one in her group of friends. Whether it was organizing study sessions or planning events, she was the go-to person. But this evening was different. Tonight, she was at her friend's house for a celebration, and it was the first time in a long while that she could just let go. The moment she walked into the room, her friends greeted her warmly, but something seemed off. Sarah, her childhood friend, was sitting on the couch looking unusually tense. 'Are you okay?' Lena asked, settling beside her. Sarah hesitated before speaking, 'I just... I don’t know if I should allow myself to relax tonight. I’ve got so many things to do.' Lena chuckled and nudged her playfully. 'You’re allowed to take a break, you know. You’ve been working non-stop.' But Sarah wasn't convinced. 'I feel like I’m wasting time. I’m allowing myself to fall behind in everything.' Lena thought for a moment before replying, 'Sometimes, we need to allow ourselves moments to just enjoy the present. Otherwise, we’re always waiting for the next thing.' As the evening unfolded, Lena noticed how her friends seemed more relaxed. It was as if they had all allowed themselves to just enjoy the night. Music played, laughter filled the air, and for the first time in a while, Lena truly felt free. Later, as the party began to wind down, Lena spoke to her friend James, who had been quiet the whole night. 'You don’t look like you’re having fun,' Lena said. James sighed. 'I know. But my boss gave me a project deadline, and I feel like I can’t allow myself to enjoy anything until it’s done.' Lena frowned. 'Well, maybe if you allowed yourself a little break, you’d work better later on. You can’t be productive 24/7.' James looked at her thoughtfully. 'Maybe you're right. I’ve been thinking too much about the work and not enough about the moment.' At that, Lena smiled, realizing how often she herself had struggled to allow herself to simply be. In the end, it was clear that sometimes, the best choice was to allow yourself the freedom to enjoy life, no matter how much was left undone. As they all sat together, Lena felt grateful. She had allowed herself to be present, to take a break from her usual responsibilities, and it had made all the difference.
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