Permission: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to indicate general allowance or the act of letting someone do something.

• May I have your permission to leave early?
• You need permission from your parents to go on the trip.

Used in formal or legal contexts to indicate official or formal permission or power granted to do something.

• He was given authorization to access the confidential files.
• You need authorization from the manager to make this purchase.

Often used in legal, medical, or formal situations to indicate agreement or permission, particularly after consideration.

• They obtained consent from the participants before the survey.
• She gave her consent for the medical procedure.

Used when talking about accepting or agreeing to something, often implies a positive judgment.

• The project received approval from the board.
• She looked for her mother's approval before making the decision.

Refers to an official document or permit that gives someone the legal right to do something.

• He needs a driver's license to operate the vehicle.
• The company was granted a license to sell the product.

This word is commonly used in everyday situations where someone needs to get approval to do something. It is neutral and widely applicable.

• She asked for permission to leave early.
• He didn't have permission to use the car.

Typically used when referring to official documents that grant permission for an activity, often used in legal and regulatory contexts.

• He applied for a building permit.
• You need a permit to fish in that lake.

This term is often used in formal or official settings, particularly relating to security, background checks, or specific authorizations.

• He received security clearance to access classified information.
• The pilot waited for clearance to land.

Can have a negative connotation when it means a penalty for breaking a law, but it can also mean formal approval, often in an international relations or legal context.

• The country faced sanctions for violating international law.
• The project proceeded with the sanction of the board.

Used when someone publicly supports or approves something, often seen in marketing and politics.

• The product received an endorsement from a well-known celebrity.
• The candidate got an endorsement from a major political party.

Used when you need formal or official approval to do something.

• You need to get permission from your parents before going on the trip.
• The employee asked for permission to work from home.

Used in more informal settings to indicate approval or authorization to proceed with an action.

• We got the go-ahead from the boss to start the new project.
• Once you get the go-ahead, you can begin the installation.

Typically used in informal contexts. Often used in business or media to express that a project or activity can proceed.

• The studio gave the green light to the new movie.
• After months of waiting, we finally got the green light to expand the team.

Informal approval or consent, often used in everyday conversation. It is less formal than 'permission'.

• Is it okay if I borrow your car for the weekend?
• The manager said it's okay to leave early today.