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Permission: getting the go-ahead A
Permitting and agreeing that something may happen: verbs All these verbs are formal and many are typically found in newspapers.
B
verb
meaning
example
accede
accept, but often associated with initial unwillingness
The factory owner acceded to the workers’ demands.
acquiesce /ˌækwiˈes/
permit something to happen, but often associated with a degree of secrecy or conspiracy
The Foreign Minister acquiesced in the plan to restrict imports from certain countries.
assent
agree to something, often associated with plans, proposals, ideas, etc.
The shareholders assented to the takeover.
authorise
give official permission
Only authorised people are allowed entry.
condone
approve or allow something which most people consider to be wrong
The judge condoned the use of reasonable force by police officers.
countenance
consider giving assent or permission, often used in negative contexts
No government would ever countenance abolishing taxes altogether.
endorse
give official approval to something
The cabinet has endorsed a proposal to change the way universities are funded.
Permitting: phrasal expressions The committee have been given carte blanche to investigate the problem and come up with a solution. [/kɑ(r)t blɑntʃ/ complete freedom to do whatever they think necessary; formal] The city has given the go-ahead for / given the green light to the new car park. [given permission for the building to start; informal]
C
Prohibiting and disapproving: verbs verb
meaning
example
bar
officially exclude, forbid someone access to something
Three students were barred from using the library because they had damaged books.
clamp down
use your full power to prevent or limit something
The government has decided to clamp down on illegal immigration.
outlaw
make something illegal
Parliament has passed a bill outlawing smoking while driving.
veto /ˈviːtəʊ/
use your official power to forbid
The President has vetoed the plan to open membership of the club to the public.
Common mistakes Regardless is not an adjective but an adverb. It means in spite of something. It can be used on its own: Her parents said she couldn’t go to the party but she went to it regardless. Or it can be followed by a phrase with of: They built the extension to their house regardless of the fact that they had not received formal planning permission.
150
English Vocabulary in Use Advanced
