noun / verb
license
LYE-suhns/ˈlaɪsns/
Permission to act beyond an otherwise imposed restriction.
The approved worker receives license to use equipment kept behind the locked gate.
Etymology
Latin licentia meant freedom or liberty. In this official sense, that freedom is permission granted by an authority to do something otherwise restricted.
In context
Because at that point I didn't have a driver's license, so I’ve never driven a car,
He got his license when he was 18 years old and flew for the Air National Guard
More examples
- The city licenses vendors to sell food downtown.
- The director takes artistic license with the historical events.
- Being in charge gives you no license to insult people.
Forms
license · licenses · licensed · licensing
licensee noun — A person or organization granted a license.
Similar words
- permission
- Broad approval to act, not necessarily formal or documented.
- authorization
- Emphasizes formal approval for a specific action or transaction.
- permit
- Usually an official document allowing a particular regulated activity.