allow

verb13

1. •
   to give someone permission to do something

   • I will allow my son to be absent.
2. •
   To not bar or obstruct.

   • Although I don't consent to their holding such meetings, I will allow them for the time being.
   • Smoking (is) allowed only in designated areas.
3. •
   To render physically possible.

   • The inlet allowed a facility to bring the money in a boat secretly and at night to the very foot of the hill. — 1824
4. •
   To make an allowance, to take into account when making plans.

   • When calculating a budget for a construction project, always allow for contingencies.
5. •
   To acknowledge, accept the truth of; to concede; to accede to an opinion; to say something one agrees on in the context of a larger disagreement or reluctance.

   • You must allow that disagreeing about politics puts a strain on a relationship.
   • "Well, that rug does match the wallpaper," he allowed.
6. •
   To decide (a request) in favour of the party who raised it; to grant victory to a party regarding (a request).
7. •
   To let one have as a suitable share of something.
8. •
   To grant (something) as a deduction or an addition; especially to abate or deduct.

   • How much will you allow on my old jalopy?
9. •
   To present something as possible or reasonable.

   • The event allows of only one interpretation.
10. •
    (slang) To forgo bothering with, to let slide.

    • Easy on violence, now I doubt it I could’ve banged this face but allowed it — 2021
11. •
    (no longer used) To praise; to approve of; hence, to sanction.

    • We commend his pains, condemn his pride, allow his life, approve his learning. — 1842
12. •
    (no longer used) To sanction; to invest; to entrust.
13. •
    (no longer used) To like; to be suited or pleased with.

    • How allow you the model of these clothes? — 1632