let 🔊
Meaning of let
To allow or permit someone to do something.
Key Difference
While 'let' is a general term for allowing something, its synonyms may imply different degrees of permission, formality, or conditions.
Example of let
- She let her children play in the park.
- The teacher let the students leave early.
Synonyms
allow 🔊
Meaning of allow
To give permission for something to happen.
Key Difference
'Allow' is more formal than 'let' and often implies official permission.
Example of allow
- The government allows citizens to protest peacefully.
- Her parents allow her to stay out until midnight.
permit 🔊
Meaning of permit
To formally consent to an action.
Key Difference
'Permit' is more official and often involves written or legal authorization.
Example of permit
- The city permits food trucks to operate in designated areas.
- The school permits students to use laptops in class.
authorize 🔊
Meaning of authorize
To grant official power or permission.
Key Difference
'Authorize' implies formal approval, often from an authority figure.
Example of authorize
- The bank authorized the large transaction.
- The manager authorized overtime for the team.
enable 🔊
Meaning of enable
To make something possible or provide the means.
Key Difference
'Enable' focuses on removing obstacles rather than just granting permission.
Example of enable
- The new software enables faster data processing.
- Scholarships enable students to afford college.
grant 🔊
Meaning of grant
To agree to give or allow something requested.
Key Difference
'Grant' often implies a formal request has been made and approved.
Example of grant
- The judge granted the defendant bail.
- The foundation granted funds for the research project.
consent 🔊
Meaning of consent
To give approval or agreement.
Key Difference
'Consent' often involves explicit agreement, especially in legal or medical contexts.
Example of consent
- She consented to the surgery after reviewing the risks.
- Both parties consented to the contract terms.
tolerate 🔊
Meaning of tolerate
To allow something despite disapproval.
Key Difference
'Tolerate' implies reluctant acceptance rather than active permission.
Example of tolerate
- The school tolerates casual dress on Fridays.
- He tolerates his neighbor's loud music.
sanction 🔊
Meaning of sanction
To give official permission or approval.
Key Difference
'Sanction' can imply both approval and enforcement by authority.
Example of sanction
- The UN sanctioned the humanitarian aid mission.
- The committee sanctioned the new policy.
empower 🔊
Meaning of empower
To give someone the authority or freedom to do something.
Key Difference
'Empower' suggests enabling with confidence or legal rights.
Example of empower
- The law empowers citizens to demand transparency.
- The program empowers women to start businesses.
Conclusion
- 'Let' is a versatile word for granting permission in everyday situations.
- 'Allow' is slightly more formal but still widely applicable.
- 'Permit' should be used when referring to official or written permissions.
- 'Authorize' is best for situations requiring formal approval from an authority.
- 'Enable' focuses on making actions possible rather than just permitting them.
- 'Grant' is ideal when responding to formal requests.
- 'Consent' is appropriate in legal, medical, or contractual agreements.
- 'Tolerate' implies reluctant acceptance rather than enthusiastic permission.
- 'Sanction' is used for official endorsements, often by institutions.
- 'Empower' goes beyond permission, suggesting confidence and capability.