The phrase "make allowances" refers to giving leeway or forgiveness in a particular situation. The pronunciation of this phrase can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /meɪk əˈlaʊənsɪz/. The first part, "make," is pronounced as /meɪk/, and the second part, "allowances," is pronounced as /əˈlaʊənsɪz/. The emphasis is placed on the second syllable of "allowances." When writing this phrase, it is important to remember the double "l" in "allowances" and to include the final "s" to show plurality.
To "make allowances" refers to the act of considering or taking into account certain circumstances or conditions when forming judgments, making decisions, or evaluating someone or something. This phrase is commonly used to acknowledge and accommodate for possible mitigating factors or allowances that need to be made in a given situation.
When someone makes allowances, they are typically granting flexibility or leniency based on certain conditions or constraints that may affect the outcome. For instance, a teacher may make allowances for a student with a learning disability by providing extra time for exams or offering alternative assignments. Similarly, an employer can make allowances for an employee facing personal problems by giving them additional support or adjusting their workload.
This term can also refer to making financial or practical concessions. For example, when negotiating a contract, parties may make allowances for unforeseen circumstances that may affect the terms and conditions of the agreement. In personal relationships, making allowances may involve being understanding and forgiving of someone's actions or behaviors due to their individual circumstances or background.
In summary, "making allowances" entails considering special circumstances, conditions, or constraints in order to adapt, compromise, or extend concessions. It is an act of recognizing and accommodating for various factors that may impact a situation, decision-making process, or evaluation.
The etymology of the phrase "make allowances" can be traced back to Middle English and the Old French word "aloiance" or "alouer" meaning "to praise" or "to allow". Over time, the meaning of the term evolved, and by the 16th century, "make allowances" came to signify the act of making concessions or allowances for someone or something.