Allowable vs. Allowed — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
Allowable refers to what is permissible under rules, while allowed is the state of having permission granted.
Difference Between Allowable and Allowed
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Allowable pertains to what regulations or standards permit as acceptable or legitimate, setting a boundary or standard that determines what can be done. On the other hand, allowed describes whether an action or activity has received explicit permission, usually by an authority or through consent.
Allowable is often used in legal, financial, or regulatory contexts to describe actions or amounts that fit within prescribed limits. Whereas, allowed is more broadly applicable and can refer to any context where permission is granted, whether formally or informally.
Allowable typically involves a general guideline or rule that applies to everyone within a certain context, indicating a scope of acceptability. In contrast, allowed is specific to particular circumstances or decisions, highlighting individual permissions or denials.
Allowable often implies a scope of action or behavior that has been pre-determined by rules or laws. Meanwhile, allowed focuses on the practical aspect of permission being granted or denied in specific instances.
Allowable is generally more abstract, referring to a concept of permissibility that doesn't change without alterations to laws or guidelines. On the other hand, allowed can change based on decisions made by authorities or changes in policy, reflecting a more dynamic and situational status.
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Allowable sets the framework within which actions can be declared allowed or not, thus indirectly influencing decisions. Conversely, allowed is the outcome of applying those frameworks to particular cases, indicating a direct acknowledgment or rejection of specific actions.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Permissible under rules
Having permission granted
Usage Context
Legal, financial, regulatory
Broad, including informal settings
Nature
General guideline
Specific permission
Application
Applies universally within context
Case-specific
Dynamism
Static, rule-based
Dynamic, decision-based
Compare with Definitions
Allowable
Permitted as part of a regulation.
The use of certain chemicals is allowable under current environmental laws.
Allowed
Sanctioned or approved under specific conditions.
Only hand luggage is allowed on the cabin.
Allowable
Conforming to a rule or set of rules.
The allowable deduction on the tax return saved us a considerable amount.
Allowed
Made possible or permissible.
No visitors are allowed in the ICU at night.
Allowable
Acceptable within a predefined limit.
The noise levels were within allowable limits for residential areas.
Allowed
Acknowledged or permitted by someone in control.
The students are allowed a short break between classes.
Allowable
Legally or officially permissible.
Only allowable amounts were claimed during the audit.
Allowed
Given permission to do something.
She was allowed to enter the private club.
Allowable
Sanctioned by authority or agreement.
The changes they made were allowable under the terms of the contract.
Allowed
Having the freedom or liberty to do something.
They were allowed to choose their own team members.
Allowable
To let do or happen; permit
We allow smoking only in restricted areas.
Allowed
To let do or happen; permit
We allow smoking only in restricted areas.
Allowable
To permit the presence of
No pets are allowed inside.
Allowed
To permit the presence of
No pets are allowed inside.
Allowable
To permit to have
Allow oneself a little treat.
Allowed
To permit to have
Allow oneself a little treat.
Allowable
To make provision for; assign
The schedule allows time for a coffee break.
Allowed
To make provision for; assign
The schedule allows time for a coffee break.
Allowable
To plan for in case of need
Allow two inches in the fabric for shrinkage.
Allowed
To plan for in case of need
Allow two inches in the fabric for shrinkage.
Allowable
To grant as a discount or in exchange
Allowed me 20 dollars on my old typewriter.
Allowed
To grant as a discount or in exchange
Allowed me 20 dollars on my old typewriter.
Allowable
To admit; concede
I allowed he was right.
Allowed
To admit; concede
I allowed he was right.
Allowable
To think; suppose
"We allow he's straight" (American Speech).
Allowed
To think; suppose
"We allow he's straight" (American Speech).
Allowable
To assert; declare
Mother allowed that we'd better come in for dinner.
Allowed
To assert; declare
Mother allowed that we'd better come in for dinner.
Allowable
To offer a possibility; admit
The poem allows of several interpretations.
Allowed
To offer a possibility; admit
The poem allows of several interpretations.
Allowable
To take a possibility into account; make allowance
In calculating profit, retailers must allow for breakage and spoilage.
Allowed
To take a possibility into account; make allowance
In calculating profit, retailers must allow for breakage and spoilage.
Allowable
Appropriate; satisfactory; acceptable.
Allowed
Simple past tense and past participle of allow
Allowable
Intellectually admissible; valid; probable.
Allowed
Permitted, authorized.
Allowable
Able to be added or deducted in consideration of something.
Allowed
Allotted.
Allowable
Permissible; tolerable; legitimate.
Allowed
Acknowledged; admitted to be true.
Allowable
(obsolete) Praiseworthy.
Allowable
A permitted amount or activity.
Allowable
Praiseworthy; laudable.
Allowable
Proper to be, or capable of being, allowed; permissible; admissible; not forbidden; not unlawful or improper; as, a certain degree of freedom is allowable among friends.
Allowable
Deductible according to the tax laws
Allowable
Deserving to be allowed or considered
Allowable
Possible to allow;
A degree of freedom allowable among friends
Common Curiosities
What makes something allowable?
Something is allowable if it conforms to the rules, laws, or guidelines that are applicable.
How is allowed used in everyday conversation?
In conversation, allowed often means having permission or being permitted to do something.
What does allowable mean in legal terms?
In legal terms, allowable refers to actions or elements that are permissible under the law.
Is there a difference between legally allowable and legally allowed?
Yes, legally allowable refers to what the law permits in general, while legally allowed refers to what is permitted in specific circumstances.
Who decides what is allowed?
What is allowed is usually decided by an authority, such as a government, employer, or property owner.
What happens if someone does something not allowed?
Doing something not allowed can result in penalties, such as fines, restrictions, or legal action.
Can an action be allowable but not allowed?
Yes, an action can be generally allowable under the rules but not allowed in specific cases due to other overriding restrictions.
Can allowable and allowed be used interchangeably?
No, allowable refers to what is permissible under specific rules, whereas allowed refers to the state of having permission.
How does one ensure actions are allowable?
To ensure actions are allowable, one must adhere to the applicable rules and guidelines.
How do permissions affect what is allowed?
Permissions directly determine what is allowed by granting or denying the right to perform certain actions.
What are examples of allowable expenses?
Allowable expenses can include things like business expenses that are deductible under tax laws.
Can allowed actions vary between different organizations or states?
Yes, what is allowed can vary widely between different organizations or states based on their specific rules and regulations.
How do companies determine allowable practices?
Companies determine allowable practices based on industry standards, legal requirements, and internal policies.
What role does context play in determining what is allowable?
The context, including legal, cultural, and situational factors, plays a crucial role in determining what is allowable.
What is the difference between allowable and permissible?
Allowable and permissible are synonyms, but allowable often relates more specifically to rules and laws, while permissible is broader and can include moral and ethical considerations.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
