Meaning & Definition of word "Allowance"

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    Allowance

    /əˈlaʊəns/

    noun:

    • 1. a sum of money given regularly to a person, often to a child, to cover personal expenses.
      • Example: Her parents give her a weekly allowance to help teach her about budgeting.
    • 2. the act of allowing; permission.
      • Example: The teacher gave her an allowance to submit the assignment late due to her illness.
    • 3. a specified amount of something that is permitted, especially in relation to consumption or use.
      • Example: There is a strict allowance of only two pieces of luggage for the flight.
    • 4. a reduction in the amount owed or a decrease in the price or value.
      • Example: He received a tax allowance for his charitable contributions.
    • 5. a planned or calculated amount of something, often used in budgeting.
      • Example: She set a monthly allowance for her grocery expenses.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French 'alowance', from 'alowen', meaning to allow.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    children's allowance:

    Money given to children by their parents.

    luggage allowance:

    The maximum weight limit for luggage that can be carried.

    monthly allowance:

    Regular fixed money received every month.

    tax allowance:

    An amount that can be deducted from taxable income.

    allowance for inflation:

    A calculation made to adjust for the rise in prices.

    Related Words

    allow:

    To let someone do something or to accept something.

    allotment:

    The amount of something that is assigned or allocated.

    allocation:

    The process of distributing something for a particular purpose.

    Slang Meanings of allowance

    Meaning: Chump change

    Example Sentence: My allowance is just chump change compared to what my friends get.

    Meaning: Pocket money

    Example Sentence: I used my allowance as pocket money to buy snacks.