3 ADJ [ADJ n] If one thing or group is allied to another, it is related to it because the two things have particular qualities or characteristics in common. □ [+ to/with ] …lectures on subjects allied to health, beauty and fitness.
4 ADJ Something that is allied to another thing occurs with the other thing. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] He possessed a raw energy allied to a feeling of something special. □ [+ with ] …a disastrous rise in interest rates allied with a stock market slump.
al|li|ga|tor /æ l I ge I tə r / (alligators ) N‑COUNT An alligator is a large reptile with short legs, a long tail and very powerful jaws. WORD HISTORY alligator
The word alligator comes from Spanish el lagarto , meaning `the lizard'.
a ll-inclu sive ADJ [usu ADJ n] All-inclusive is used to indicate that a price, especially the price of a holiday, includes all the charges and all the services offered. □ An all-inclusive two-week holiday costs around £2880 per person.
al|lit|era|tion /əl I təre I ʃən/ (alliterations ) N‑VAR Alliteration is the use in speech or writing of several words close together which all begin with the same letter or sound. [TECHNICAL ]
al|lit|era|tive /əl I tərət I v, [AM ] -təre I t I v/ ADJ Alliterative means relating to or connected with alliteration. [TECHNICAL ] □ Her campaign slogan, 'a president for the people', was pleasantly alliterative but empty.
al|lo|cate /æ ləke I t/ (allocates , allocating , allocated ) VERB If one item or share of something is allocated to a particular person or for a particular purpose, it is given to that person or used for that purpose. □ [be V -ed + to ] Tickets are limited and will be allocated to those who apply first. □ [V n + for/to ] This year's budget allocated £15m to cycle safety in the capital. □ [V n to-inf] Our plan is to allocate one member of staff to handle appointments. [Also V n n, V n]
al|lo|ca|tion /æ ləke I ʃ ə n/ (allocations )
1 N‑COUNT An allocation is an amount of something, especially money, that is given to a particular person or used for a particular purpose. □ [+ for ] There will be a closer review of funding allocations for future conferences.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The allocation of something is the decision that it should be given to a particular person or used for a particular purpose. □ Town planning and land allocation had to be coordinated.
al|lot /əlɒ t/ (allots , allotting , allotted ) VERB [usu passive] If something is allotted to someone, it is given to them as their share. □ [be V -ed + to ] The seats are allotted to the candidates who have won the most votes. □ [be V -ed n] We were allotted half an hour to address the committee.
al|lot|ment /əlɒ tmənt/ (allotments )
1 N‑COUNT In Britain, an allotment is a small area of land in a town which a person rents to grow plants and vegetables on.
2 N‑COUNT An allotment of something is a share or amount of it that is given to someone. □ [+ of ] His meager allotment of gas had to be saved for emergencies.
a ll-ou t also all out ADJ [ADJ n] You use all-out to describe actions that are carried out in a very energetic and determined way, using all the resources available. □ He launched an all-out attack on his critics. ● ADV [ADV after v] All out is also an adverb. □ We will be going all out to ensure it doesn't happen again.
al|low ◆◆◆ /əlaʊ / (allows , allowing , allowed )
1 VERB If someone is allowed to do something, it is all right for them to do it and they will not get into trouble. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The children are not allowed to watch violent TV programmes. □ [V n to-inf] The Government will allow them to advertise on radio and television. □ [be V -ed adv/prep] They will be allowed home. □ [be V -ed] Smoking will not be allowed. [Also V n/v-ing]
2 VERB If you are allowed something, you are given permission to have it or are given it. □ [be V -ed] Gifts like chocolates or flowers are allowed. □ [be V -ed n] He should be allowed the occasional treat.
3 VERB If you allow something to happen, you do not prevent it. □ [V n to-inf] He won't allow himself to fail. □ [be V -ed to-inf] If the soil is allowed to dry out the tree could die.
4 VERB If one thing allows another thing to happen, the first thing creates the opportunity for the second thing to happen. □ [V n to-inf] The compromise will allow him to continue his free market reforms. □ [V n n] …an attempt to allow the Tory majority a greater share of power. □ [V n] She said this would allow more effective planning.
5 VERB If you allow a particular length of time or a particular amount of something for a particular purpose, you include it in your planning. □ [V n + for ] Please allow 28 days for delivery. □ [V n] Allow about 75ml (3fl oz) per six servings.
6 VERB If you allow that something is true, you admit or agree that it is true. [FORMAL ] □ [V that] Warren allows that capitalist development may result in increased social inequality.
7 PHRASE Some people use Allow me to… as a way of introducing something that they want to say or do. [FORMAL ] □ Allow me to introduce Dr Amberg.
▸ allow for PHRASAL VERB If you allow for certain problems or expenses, you include some extra time or money in your planning so that you can deal with them if they occur. □ [V P n] You have to allow for a certain amount of error. SYNONYMS allow VERB 1