1let (someone) have or do something: [with object and infinitive]:the dissident was allowed to leave the country [with two objects]:she was allowed a higher profile
[with object and adverbial of direction] let (someone) enter a place or go in a particular direction:the river was patrolled and few people were allowed across
declare or decide that (an event or activity) is legal or acceptable:political advertising on television is not allowed
2give the necessary time or opportunity for:they agreed to a ceasefire to allow talks with the government [with object and infinitive]:he stopped to allow his eyes to adjust
[no object] (allow for) make provision or provide scope for:the house was demolished to allow for road widening
[no object] (allow for) take (something) into consideration when making plans or calculations:income rose by 11 per cent allowing for inflation
provide or set aside for a particular purpose:allow an hour or so for driving
3 [reporting verb] admit the truth of; concede: [with clause]:he allowed that the penalty appeared too harsh for the crime [with direct speech]:‘Could happen,’ she allowed indifferently
[with clause]North American informal or dialect be of the opinion; assert:Lincoln allowed that he himself could never support the man
allow me
said when making a polite request or offering help:please allow me to introduce myself‘Here, allow me,’ came a woman’s voice from behind him
allowedly
adverb
[sentence adverb]:English is allowedly one of the most complete of the European languages
