License

Definition

A permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪsəns/
• Respelling: LYE-sens (with "LYE" as in "life" and "sens" as in "sense")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪsəns/
• Respelling: LYE-sens (with "LYE" as in "life" and "sens" as in "sense")

In both dialects, "license" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LYE." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LYE-sens."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "licentia", which means 'authority, permission', from "licere", meaning 'to be allowed'.

Derivatives

• Licensure
• Licensee
• Licensor
• Licensable
• Licensing

Synonyms

• Permit
• Authorization
• Warrant

Antonyms

• Prohibition
• Restriction
• Ban

Usage

Licenses are used in various contexts, including driving, business operations, software usage, and professional practice. They serve to regulate activities and ensure compliance with legal and safety standards.

Related Terms

• Permit: An official document giving someone authorization to do something.
• Certification: An official document attesting to a status or level of achievement.
• Accreditation: The process of officially recognizing someone as having a particular status or being qualified to perform a particular activity.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• License (Noun): An official permission or permit to do, use, or own something.
  • Example: "He applied for a driver's license at the age of 16."

• License (Noun): Formal or legal authorization to engage in a regulated activity.
  • Example: "The restaurant received its liquor license from the city council."

Verb

• License (Verb): To grant official permission or authorization to someone or something.
  • Example: "The government licensed the company to operate in the new territory."

• License (Verb): To permit the use of something through a formal agreement.
  • Example: "The software company licensed its new application to several large corporations."