To grant something means to give or allow it, especially when someone has asked for it or needs permission. When a teacher grants you extra time to finish a test, she's giving you what you requested. When a king grants a knight land and a title, he's officially giving those things as a reward.

Grant carries a sense of authority: the person granting something usually has the power to say yes or no. A judge might grant bail, a principal might grant permission for a field trip, or parents might grant their teenager more freedom after proving they're responsible. The opposite is to deny or refuse.

A grant can also be a noun: a sum of money given for a specific purpose. Scientists apply for research grants to fund their experiments. Students receive college grants to help pay tuition. Unlike loans, grants don't need to be repaid. Organizations and governments award grants to support projects they believe are worthwhile, like building a community center or studying infectious disease transmission.

You might also hear the phrase “take for granted,” which means to assume something will always be there without appreciating it. When you take a friend for granted, you stop noticing how much they do for you and may forget to show gratitude.