permit

permit — verb

1. to say that someone may do something, or that an activity may go ahead.

1.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to say that someone may do something, or that an activity may go ahead.

Example

The school does not permit phones during final exams.

pattern: permit + noun

Our landlord permitted us to paint the kitchen pale blue.

pattern: permit + object + to-infinitive

Common collocations
  • permit phones
  • permit visitors to enter
  • permit eating
  • permit someone to leave
  • permit light into a room
Synonyms
  • allow

    the closest everyday word and less formal than 'permit'

  • let

    more conversational and especially common for personal permission

  • authorize

    more official and often used in legal or workplace contexts

Antonyms
  • forbid

    to say clearly that something must not happen

  • ban

    to stop something officially or by rule

Grammar Patterns

permit + noun

permit + -ing verb

permit + object + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Common with rules, signs, schools, offices, and other sources of authority. Distinguish from sense 2, where time, weather, money, or space creates the chance for something to happen.

Common Mistakes

The school permitted students use calculators.
The school permitted students to use calculators.
use object + to-infinitive after 'permit'.
The museum permitted to take photos.
The museum permitted visitors to take photos.
with a to-infinitive, name the person who has permission.

2. if time, weather, money, or another condition leaves room, something can happen.

2.verbintransitiveC1
Definition

if time, weather, money, or another condition leaves room, something can happen.

Example

Weather permitting, the band will play in the park tonight.

set phrase: weather permitting

When time permitted, Rosa wrote long letters to her son.

pattern: time permitted

Common collocations
  • if time permits
  • if weather permits
  • if space permits
  • when health permits
  • should money permit
Synonyms
  • allow

    can be used for conditions, but it is broader and often transitive

  • enable

    more directly about making an action possible

  • leave room for

    stresses that there is enough time, space, or freedom

Antonyms
  • prevent

    to stop something from happening

  • rule out

    to make something impossible in the situation

Grammar Patterns

if time permits

if weather permits

when circumstances permit

Usage Note

Usually used with subjects such as time, weather, money, space, or health, often in clauses with 'if', 'when', or 'should'. Distinguish from sense 1, which gives permission to a person or activity.

Common Mistakes

If time permits us, we will visit the tower.
If time permits, we will visit the tower.
this sense normally has no object.
Weather permits the match tonight.
Weather permitting, the match will be played tonight.
this sense usually appears in a condition phrase, not with a direct object.

permit — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

For sense 1, 'permit' is a fairly formal word for saying yes to an action or not stopping it by rule. 'Allow' is the closest everyday choice and fits most of the same grammar patterns. 'Let' is more conversational and is common when one person gives another person permission directly. 'Authorize' is stronger and more official, especially in business, law, or government. 'Approve' is slightly different: you approve a request, plan, or design, and that approval may then permit the action. A sign may permit parking, a teacher may allow calculators, and a parent may let a child stay up late.

permit ↗allow ↗let ↗authorize ↗approve ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Permit came into English through French from Latin 'permittere'. That Latin verb was built from parts meaning 'through' and 'send' or 'let go'. In English, the word developed the idea of letting something go forward without stopping it. The noun grew from the same history and came to mean the official paper that gives that permission.