License Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
📜
license
[ˈlaɪsəns ]
Definitions
legal document
A legal document giving official permission to do something, or the document itself.
Synonyms
authorization, certification, permit.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| license |
Typically used when talking about official permission from a government or other official body, often for business or professional activities.
|
| permit |
Typically used for official documents that grant permission to do something, often temporary or specific activities like building or work-related permissions.
|
| authorization |
Used when someone is given official approval or power to do something, often within an organization or by a higher authority.
|
| certification |
Refers to the process or result of verifying that someone or something meets certain standards, often related to skills, knowledge, or products.
|
Examples of usage
- The company applied for a license to operate in the city.
- She carries a driver's license in her wallet.
grant permission
To give official permission for someone to do something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| license |
When someone needs official permission to perform a particular activity, usually related to occupation or driving.
|
| permit |
Granting permission for a specific activity, often related to regulations and safety. Commonly used in construction, events, and restricted areas.
|
| authorize |
When granting official approval or permission to someone for a specific action or task, often within an organization or institution.
|
| certify |
Confirming that someone or something meets a certain standard, often used in professional settings or quality checks.
|
Examples of usage
- The city council will license the new restaurant to serve alcohol.
- The government agency licenses individuals to practice certain professions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Aspects
- Licenses can be issued by governments to regulate activities like driving, hunting, and practicing certain professions.
- In many countries, a driver's license is linked to the individual's ability to prove they have passed a driving test.
- Some licenses are renewable and may require continuing education, especially in fields like medicine and education.
Cultural Significance
- In different cultures, the need for a license reflects the value placed on safety, accountability, and public trust.
- The celebration of achieving a license can mark a coming-of-age moment, especially for teenagers turning 16 in the U.S.
- In some societies, certain licenses, like marriage licenses, symbolize commitment and legal recognition of a relationship.
Technology
- Software licenses define how a user can interact with and redistribute software, shaping the development of open source and proprietary software.
- In the tech industry, licenses are crucial for protecting intellectual property and ensuring developers can monetize their work.
- Digital licenses for media, like music or movies, exemplify the shift toward online consumption and ownership rights.
Psychological Impact
- Having a license can boost confidence and independence, especially for new drivers or professionals starting their careers.
- The process of obtaining a license often entails a series of tests that can be both a rite of passage and a source of anxiety.
- Licensing can provide a sense of validation, both for the individual holding the license and for society, affirming broadly accepted standards of capability.
Origin of 'license'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'licentia', meaning 'freedom' or 'permission'.
- In Old French, it was 'licence', which also pointed to the idea of allowance or freedom to act.
- The concept has been around since at least the 14th century, linking it closely to legal permissions.
The word 'license' comes from the Latin word 'licentia', meaning freedom or permission. It has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to a formal permission or authorization. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a wide range of legal documents granting permission for various activities.