allowance

al-low-ance · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An amount of money given regularly to a person, especially a child, for their personal expenses.

  2. 2.

    An amount of something that is permitted or allocated.

  3. 3.

    A reduction in price; a discount.

  4. 4.

    Consideration of circumstances that affect a situation.

Forms

plural: allowances

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    make allowances for — To take something into account; to excuse or tolerate.
  • •
    clothing allowance — Money provided for purchasing clothes.
  • •
    travel allowance — Money allocated for travel expenses.
  • •
    tax allowance — The amount of income not subject to tax.
  • •
    baggage allowance — The amount of luggage permitted on a flight.

Related words

Antonyms: deduction, penalty
See also: allocation, allow, grant, stipend
Synonyms: allocation, grant, pocket money, stipend

Etymology

From Old French alouance ("allowance, sanction"), from alouer ("to approve, allocate"), influenced by Latin allocare.