Permission Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔓

Add to dictionary

permission

[pəˈmɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

The act of allowing someone to do something, or the state of being allowed to do something, especially by a person in authority

Synonyms

approval, authorization, consent, license.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
permission	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.
authorization	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.
consent	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.
approval	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.
license	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.

Examples of usage

Without permission from the landowner, you cannot enter the property.
She asked for permission to leave the room.
Permission to access the file was denied by the administrator.
The students needed permission from their parents to go on the field trip.
You need to obtain permission from the manager before making any changes.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

formal

A formal or official authorization to do something

Synonyms

clearance, endorsement, permit, sanction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
permission	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.
permit	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.
clearance	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.
sanction	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.
endorsement	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.

Examples of usage

He was granted permission to enter the restricted area.
The company obtained permission to use the trademark.
Permission is required to access certain confidential documents.
The artist received permission to exhibit her work at the gallery.
Only with permission can you access the private database.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

casual

Approval to do something; consent

Synonyms

go-ahead, green light, okay.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
permission	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.
go-ahead	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.
green light	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.
okay	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.

Examples of usage

I need your permission to borrow your car.
Can I have permission to use your computer?
Permission to start the project was given by the team leader.
Permission to publish the article was granted by the editor.
She sought permission to attend the conference.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In legal terms, permission often relates to rights, especially in property and copyright contexts.
Many contracts require explicit permission for actions to be legally binding.

Psychology

The need for permission can impact self-esteem; children often gain confidence by feeling allowed to express themselves.
Seeking permission can be a learned behavior, often influenced by cultural and familial norms.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, consent and permission are essential for interpersonal relationships and agreements.
The notion of permission is crucial in governance; democratic societies often emphasize the importance of citizen consent.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'Permission to dance' became popular due to a hit song by the popular music group BTS, promoting freedom and joy.
In movies, the concept of permission is often a plot device, where characters seek approval to pursue their desires or adventures.

Origin of 'permission'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'permissio', which means allowing or letting go.
In Middle English, it appeared as 'permission' reflecting the action of giving consent.

The word 'permission' originated from the Latin word 'permissio', which means 'permission, a letting go'. The concept of permission has been an integral part of human society since ancient times, where individuals sought the approval of authorities or higher powers to engage in certain actions or behaviors. Over time, the notion of permission has evolved to encompass legal, formal, and casual contexts, reflecting the diverse ways in which authorization is granted or obtained in various situations.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,079, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2076 conversation
2077 substantially
2078 practically
2079 permission
2080 prescribed
2081 linear
2082 slight
...