Phrase guide

allow for

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To take into account, consider.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The problem is that they didn't allow for the extra centimetre of overlap, so it didn't fit correctly.
  • You must allow for the fact that his hearing isn't very good.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To make possible; to allow.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The gap between my classes allowed for me and my friends to go eat lunch.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • This leaves no room for improvement
  • The evidence allows only one conclusion
  • allow for mistakes
  • leave lots of time for the trip
  • This procedure provides for lots of leeway

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: leave, allow, provide

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: yield, give, afford

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: vzít v potaz — to take into account
  • Polish: brać pod uwagę — to take into account
  • Polish: wziąć pod uwagę — to take into account
  • Russian: учи́тывать (učítyvatʹ) — to take into account
  • Russian: уче́сть (učéstʹ) — to take into account