How to pronounce allow
Say it like uh-LOW. Allow has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce allow. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- LOW
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Allow pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LOWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of allow
American and British speakers say allow in essentially the same way: /əˈlaʊ/ in the US and /əˈlaʊ/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-LOW.
What does allow mean?
- make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen“This permits the water to rush in”“This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement”
- consent to, give permission“She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband”“I won't let the police search her basement”
- let have“grant permission”“Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison”
Where does allow come from?
The similarity with Middle English alyfen (from Old English ālīefan) and German erlauben, both from Proto-Germanic *uzlaubijaną (“to allow”) is unrelated.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with allow
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of allow.
Questions about saying allow
How do you pronounce allow?
Say uh-LOW. The American pronunciation is /əˈlaʊ/. In British English it is /əˈlaʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in allow?
Allow has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOW). Broken into parts: uh · LOW.
Do Americans and Brits say allow the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈlaʊ/ and the British form is /əˈlaʊ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.