allowance

IPA

Dictionary definition of allowance

An allowance refers to a regular sum of money given to someone, often on a scheduled basis.
"She receives a clothing allowance from her employer to maintain a professional appearance."

Detailed meaning of allowance

Typically, an allowance is provided to individuals such as children, students, or dependents, to meet their basic needs or expenses. It can be given by parents, guardians, or organizations as a means of financial support. Secondly, "allowance" can indicate a specific amount or limit of something that is permitted or allocated. This can include time, resources, or quantities, and it establishes boundaries or restrictions. For example, a time allowance may be given for completing a task or a weight allowance for luggage on a flight. Thirdly, "allowance" can refer to an adjustment or deduction made in a calculation or measurement to account for certain factors or variables. In this sense, an allowance helps account for uncertainties or discrepancies. Finally, "allowance" can also pertain to the act of granting permission, consent, or tolerance for a particular action or behavior. It signifies the act of allowing or permitting something to happen or exist. Overall, the noun "allowance" encompasses notions of financial support, limits, adjustments, and permissions, each holding its own significance in their respective domains.

Example sentences containing allowance

1. Parents often give their children a weekly allowance.
2. She receives a monthly allowance from her parents.
3. The government provides a housing allowance for veterans.
4. My employer grants an annual travel allowance.
5. The budget includes an entertainment allowance.
6. Children learn financial responsibility through their allowance.

History and etymology of allowance

The noun 'allowance' has its etymological origins in the Old French word 'alouance,' which is derived from the verb 'alouer.' In Old French, 'alouer' meant to grant or assign, often with the connotation of providing something regularly. This Old French term can be traced back to the Latin word 'allodare,' which is a combination of 'ad,' meaning 'to,' and 'lodare,' meaning 'to praise' or 'to approve.' In essence, the notion of granting or providing regularly, which 'allowance' carries, can be seen as an approval or commendation through financial support. As 'allowance' entered the English language, it retained this sense of a regular sum of money given to someone, often on a scheduled basis, reflecting its historical connection to the act of granting or assigning with approval.

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Further usage examples of allowance

1. The school board approved a teacher supply allowance.
2. The company offers a transportation allowance to employees.
3. Students can apply for a tuition allowance program.
4. The child saved their allowance to buy a new toy.
5. The government adjusted the cost-of-living allowance.
6. Her generous allowance allows for some luxuries.
7. The military provides a housing allowance for service members.
8. The monthly rent includes a utilities allowance.
9. Many students rely on a textbook allowance for school.
10. His weekly allowance goes toward saving for a bike.
11. The company offers a technology allowance for upgrades.
12. My grandparents gifted me a savings allowance.
13. The scholarship includes a stipend and research allowance.
14. Employees can claim a daily meal allowance while traveling.
15. My parents give me a weekly allowance to cover my personal expenses.
16. The airline has a weight allowance of 50 pounds for checked baggage.
17. The project timeline includes a buffer allowance to account for unforeseen delays.
18. The children saved their allowances to buy toys they had been wanting.
19. The government provides a housing allowance for eligible low-income families.
20. The company reimbursed her for the travel allowance she incurred during the business trip.
21. He set a time allowance of 30 minutes to complete the task.
22. The budget includes an allowance for entertainment expenses during the conference.
23. The school cafeteria offers a lunch allowance program for students in need.
24. The project manager requested a budget allowance for additional resources.
25. The parents adjusted their children's screen time allowance to limit their exposure to technology.