The phrase "makes allowance for" is often misspelled due to its unique pronunciation. The first word, "makes," is pronounced /meɪks/, with a long "a" sound. The second word, "allowance," is pronounced /əˈlaʊəns/, with a schwa in the first syllable and a long "o" sound in the second syllable. Finally, the preposition "for" is pronounced /fɔːr/, with an elongated "o" sound. The combination of these sounds can make it difficult to spell the phrase correctly, but taking the time to understand its pronunciation can make all the difference.
The phrase "makes allowance for" is an idiomatic expression that primarily means to consider or accommodate certain factors or circumstances when making a decision or judgment. It implies taking into account specific conditions or exceptions in order to be fair or realistic.
When someone "makes allowance for" something, they are acknowledging and factoring in various variables that might affect the outcome or outcome of a situation. This may involve adjusting expectations, granting leniency, or adapting plans according to specific allowances.
For example, a teacher might "make allowance for" a student who is experiencing personal issues by granting them additional time to complete an assignment. In this case, the teacher acknowledges the student's circumstances and accommodates their needs by providing flexibility.
Similarly, a judge may "make allowance for" a defendant's mitigating circumstances, such as a difficult upbringing or mental health issues, when determining the appropriate sentence. This demonstrates that the judge considers relevant factors that could affect the defendant's culpability, and thus adjusts the punishment accordingly.
Overall, "makes allowance for" implies understanding and regarding certain conditions or circumstances as valid contributors to decision-making or judgment, leading to a fairer and more considerate approach in various situations.