Permit

Definition

Permit can function as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to allow something to happen or to authorize someone to do something. As a noun, it refers to an official document that gives permission for a specific activity.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /pɚˈmɪt/
• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɝː.mɪt/
• Verb Respelling: pur-MIT
• Noun Respelling: PUR-mit

British English

• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /pəˈmɪt/
• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɜː.mɪt/
• Verb Respelling: puh-MIT
• Noun Respelling: PUR-mit

Etymology

The word "permit" originates from Latin "permittere," meaning "to let through" or "to allow." This is a combination of "per-" (through) and "mittere" (to send). The term entered Middle English through Old French in the late 14th century.

Derivatives

• Permission (noun)
• Permissive (adjective)
• Permitted (adjective)
• Permittable (adjective)
• Permitting (verb form)

Synonyms

• Allow
• Authorize
• Consent

Antonyms

• Forbid
• Prohibit
• Deny

Usage

The term "permit" is commonly used in legal, official, and everyday contexts. For example, "The city council will permit the construction project," or "You need a permit to park in this zone."

Related Terms

• License: An official document granting permission to do something.
• Approval: Formal consent or authorization.
• Authorization: The action or process of giving someone permission.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To allow something to happen or authorize someone to do something:
  • Example: "The teacher permitted the students to leave early."
• To make something possible:
  • Example: "The design of the building permits easy access."

Noun

• An official document granting permission for a specific activity:
  • Example: "He applied for a work permit to stay in the country."
• The act of granting permission:
  • Example: "They required the council’s permit to hold the event."