license
Definitions
An official document or permission allowing you to do, own, or use something
执照，许可证；牌照
Freedom to act or deviate from rules, especially in art or expression
（行动/创作上的）自由，破格（如 poetic license）
To grant official permission for something or someone
批准，给……发许可证，授权
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin licentia ("permission, freedom to act"), itself from licēre ("be allowed"). A license is permission made tangible — a card, paper, or grant proving you are allowed to do something otherwise restricted. From this came two extensions: as a verb, to license is to grant that permission; and figuratively, license means freedom to bend rules (poetic license). Spelling note: AmE uses license for both noun and verb; BrE uses licence (n.) vs license (v.) — see usage guide.
Root licit still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
British vs American spelling is the key trap:
- American English: license for both noun and verb — a driver's license; the state licenses bars.
- British English: licence is the noun, license is the verb — a driving licence; the council licenses pubs. (Mirrors advice/advise, practice/practise.)
- Figurative: poetic/artistic license = freedom to bend the rules.
- Software/business: a license to use software; license a product to another firm.
Memory hook (BrE): the noun licence has a 'c' like 'card'; the verb license has an 's' like 'issue'.
Example Sentences
- 1.
You need a valid license to drive a car in this country.
- 2.
The company was granted a license to sell the new drug.
- 3.
The state licenses doctors after they pass the exam.
- 4.
The film takes some artistic license with the historical facts.
Easily Confused
license vs permit — both grant permission, but a license is usually an ongoing qualification or right (driver's license, liquor license), while a permit is often for a specific, temporary, or one-off activity (a parking permit, a building permit). You hold a license for years; you get a permit for an event.
Synonym Comparison
- license — official authorization, often a qualifying document: a driver's license
- permit — permission for a specific/temporary act: a work permit
- certificate — proof of a fact or achievement: a birth certificate
- authorization — formal approval to act, often institutional: written authorization
- warrant — legal authority, esp. for police action: a search warrant