Licenses: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️
Add to dictionary

licenses

 

[ ˈlaɪsənsɪz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

legal document

Official permission for someone to do something, or the document that proves this:

Synonyms

authorization, certification, permit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
licenses

Use when referring to official permissions granted by an authority to engage in a particular activity, often in a professional or legal context. It is plural of 'license'.

  • He needs multiple licenses to operate his business in different states.
  • The company holds licenses for pharmaceutical distribution.
permit

Use when referring to an official document giving someone authorization to do something, often used for specific activities or events.

  • They applied for a building permit before starting construction.
  • You need a parking permit to leave your car here overnight.
authorization

Use when referring to permission or power given by an authority to perform an act or to use property. This is a broad term and can apply to many contexts.

  • You need authorization from your manager to access the financial records.
  • The bank required authorization before processing the large transaction.
certification

Use when referring to the act of certifying or confirming in a formal, usually written, statement. This is often used in professional contexts, where proving compliance with standards is necessary.

  • He received certification as a qualified electrician.
  • The company achieved ISO certification for its quality management system.

Examples of usage

  • He was fined for driving without a license.
  • She applied for a gun license.
  • The restaurant has a license to sell alcohol.
  • The software requires a valid license to be used.
Context #2 | Verb

legally permit

To give official permission for something to happen or be done:

Synonyms

authorize, certify, permit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
licenses

Used when referring to official permissions granted by an authoritative body to perform certain activities, own or use specific items, typically for an extended period.

  • She has the licenses to operate both a bar and a restaurant
  • The company needs to renew its software licenses every year
permit

Typically refers to an official document granting permission to do something. Often used for specific actions or events rather than ongoing permissions.

  • We need a permit to hold a concert in the park
  • She applied for a building permit for the new garage
authorize

Used when granting official permission or power to do something. Often involves giving rights or making approvals.

  • The manager has authorized the purchase of new equipment
  • He was authorized to access the confidential files
certify

Used when confirming that someone or something meets official standards or requirements, often involving professional qualifications or standards of quality.

  • He is certified to teach yoga
  • The product is certified organic

Examples of usage

  • The city council has licensed the sale of alcohol.
  • She is licensed to practice law in three states.
  • The company is licensed to operate in the country.

Translations

Translations of the word "licenses" in other languages:

🇵🇹 licenças

🇮🇳 लाइसेंस

🇩🇪 Lizenzen

🇮🇩 lisensi

🇺🇦 ліцензії

🇵🇱 licencje

🇯🇵 ライセンス

🇫🇷 licences

🇪🇸 licencias

🇹🇷 lisanslar

🇰🇷 라이센스

🇸🇦 تراخيص

🇨🇿 licence

🇸🇰 licencie

🇨🇳 许可证

🇸🇮 licence

🇮🇸 leyfi

🇰🇿 лицензиялар

🇬🇪 ლიცენზიები

🇦🇿 lisenziyalar

🇲🇽 licencias

Etymology

The word 'licenses' originates from the Latin word 'licentia', meaning 'freedom' or 'permission'. It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. Over the centuries, the concept of licenses has evolved to regulate various activities and professions, ensuring compliance with laws and standards. Today, licenses play a crucial role in many fields, from driving and business operations to software usage and professional practice.

See also: licensed.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,488 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.