The correct spelling of the phrase "make allowance" is /meɪk əˈlaʊəns/. The letter "a" in "allowance" is pronounced as /ə/, which is the schwa sound. Schwa is a vowel sound that is pronounced with the tongue in a neutral position. The letter "e" in "make" is pronounced as /eɪ/, which is a diphthong sound that consists of two vowel sounds blended together. "Make allowance" means to consider and prepare for future events or circumstances.
The phrase "make allowance" is an idiomatic expression in the English language and can be interpreted in different contexts. Primarily, it refers to the act of providing or allowing for a particular circumstance or consideration.
In financial terms, "make allowance" means to allocate or set aside a specific amount of money or resources to account for future expenses or contingencies. This can be seen as an act of prudence or foresight, ensuring that there are sufficient funds available to face unforeseen circumstances.
Furthermore, "make allowance" can also be used in a more abstract sense, referring to the act of accommodating or accepting certain factors or variations in a given situation. This can include accounting for individual differences, considering extenuating circumstances, or giving leeway or flexibility in judgment or interpretation.
On a personal level, "make allowance" may pertain to granting understanding, patience, or leniency towards someone's shortcomings or limitations. It involves recognizing and accepting these while adjusting one's expectations or treatment accordingly.
In essence, "make allowance" encapsulates the notion of anticipating or accommodating factors that have the potential to affect a situation, whether they are financial, contextual, or interpersonal. It involves a conscious act of recognition and adjustment to ensure preparedness, understanding, and fairness.
The phrase "make allowance" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "make" and "allowance".
1. Make: The word "make" comes from the Old English word "macian", which means "to construct" or "to do". Over time, its meaning extended to include the action of causing, creating, or bringing about something.
2. Allowance: The word "allowance" has a slightly different origin. It stems from the Old French word "aloance", which means "a grant of money" or "a permission". The Old French term was derived from the Latin words "ad", meaning "to", and "lōcum", meaning "a place". Together, they formed the word "alōcāre", meaning "to put someone in a certain place" or "to place someone near".