allow
UK[əˈlaʊ]US[əˈlaʊ]
v
To let someone do something or let something happen; to give permission.
v
To provide or make available a particular amount of something, especially time or money.
Etymology
The modern verb 'allow', meaning to permit or grant, has a fascinating history rooted in approval and praise. It entered Middle English from Anglo-French 'alouer', which meant to approve, commend, or assign. This Old French term was a fusion of the Latin prefix 'ad-' (meaning 'to') and the verb 'laudare' (meaning 'to praise'). The semantic evolution from "to praise" or "to approve of" to "to permit" is logical, as granting permission is an act of approval. Over centuries, the phonetic form simplified from 'alouen' to 'allow', merging its components into a single, indivisible morpheme in contemporary English.
Analysis
The word 'allow' is a simplex form derived from Middle English 'alouen', which itself came from Anglo-French 'alouer'. This Old French term combined the Latin prefix 'ad-' (to) with 'laudare' (to praise). In its journey into English, the spelling and sound condensed into an unsegmentable unit.
Examples
The teacher does not allow mobile phones in the classroom.
The budget must allow for unexpected expenses.
Please allow at least two weeks for delivery.