Permissions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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permissions

[pərˈmɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

access control

Official approval to do something or the state of being allowed to do something

Synonyms

approval, authorization, consent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
permissions

Used when referring to official or legally allowed actions, particularly in terms of using software, accessing buildings, or making changes to files or systems.

  • You need to obtain the necessary permissions before accessing these files.
  • The app requires additional permissions to access your camera.
authorization

Often used in formal or legal contexts, especially when someone needs to give official power or rights to another party. Common in finance, law, and security.

  • You will need to provide authorization in order to access this account.
  • She received authorization from the board to proceed with the merger.
consent

Used mainly in personal or sensitive contexts such as medical fields, legal matters, and relationships. It implies that a person has willingly agreed to something.

  • The doctor must obtain the patient's consent before proceeding with the surgery.
  • She gave her consent for the interview to be recorded.
approval

Typically used in situations where an individual or organization needs to formally agree to a plan, project, or request. Common in business, academic, or personal settings.

  • The project cannot proceed without the manager's approval.
  • He waited for her approval before making the purchase.

Examples of usage

  • He was granted permission to enter the building.
  • You need permission from your manager to take time off work.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

The action of officially allowing someone to do a particular thing, or of officially allowing something to happen

Synonyms

authorization, license, permit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
permissions

Used when referring to the multiple rights or allowances given to a user or a group in various contexts, often in technology or administrative settings.

  • She has the necessary permissions to access the server.
  • You need to request permissions to modify this document.
authorization

Typically used in formal contexts to indicate that someone has the official power or approval to do something, often related to security or administrative systems.

  • You will receive an authorization code via email.
  • This task requires managerial authorization.
license

Used when referring to a formal and legal permission granted by an authority to own or use something, do a particular activity, or carry out a trade.

  • He obtained a driver's license last year.
  • The software comes with a one-year license.
permit

Generally refers to a written or official document that gives someone the right to do something, often involving construction, transportation, or regulated activities.

  • You need a building permit to start renovations.
  • He was stopped for driving without a permit.

Examples of usage

  • Permission to build on greenbelt land has been refused.
  • You must have written permission to use this material for your project.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

The right or ability to access, modify, or delete data or files on a computer or network

Synonyms

access rights, entitlement, privileges.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
permissions

Often used in technology and software contexts to refer to specific actions that a user or entity is allowed to perform on a system or file. It can also be used more broadly to indicate any form of granted approval or consent.

  • She needs permissions to edit the document
  • Can you give me the permissions to install this software?
access rights

Typically used in IT and cybersecurity to signify the permissions granted to a user to access certain data, files, or systems. This term is more formal and technical in nature.

  • The IT department manages the access rights for all employees
  • You don't have the necessary access rights to view this file
privileges

Often used in social, professional, or political contexts to describe special advantages or rights given to a person or group. It can informally refer to small perks or benefits and sometimes has a connotation of exclusivity or inequality.

  • As a VIP member, you have certain privileges
  • He enjoys many privileges as a senior executive
entitlement

Generally used in administrative or bureaucratic contexts to denote a rightful claim or benefit that someone is officially allowed to have. This word can sometimes have a negative connotation if implying an unearned right.

  • She has an entitlement to receive monthly benefits
  • His sense of entitlement made him unpopular among his peers

Examples of usage

  • Make sure you have the necessary permissions to install software on your computer.
  • This file cannot be deleted without administrator permission.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In computer systems, permissions determine which users can access certain files or applications, ensuring security.
  • The principle of least privilege is a key concept, where users are given only the permissions necessary to perform their tasks.
  • Modern applications often request permissions for accessing your camera, contacts, or location to enhance user experience while ensuring privacy.

Law

  • In legal contexts, permissions often refer to the authority given by one party to another to perform a specific action.
  • The terms 'consent' and 'authorization' are often interchangeable with permissions in contracts and agreements.
  • In environmental laws, obtaining permissions is crucial for projects to ensure compliance with regulations protecting nature.

Education

  • Permissions in educational settings can refer to parental consent for students to participate in activities or field trips.
  • Teachers often require permissions to share student work or photographs publicly, highlighting the importance of privacy.
  • Understanding the concept of permissions helps students learn about responsibility and respect for rules.

Culture

  • Cultural practices often require permissions to engage in certain traditions, ensuring respect and adherence to customs.
  • In many Indigenous cultures, permission is sought before sharing traditional knowledge or practices, emphasizing community consent.
  • The concept of permission also plays a role in artistic expressions, where artists must obtain rights to use others' work.

Origin of 'permissions'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'permissions' comes from the Latin 'permissio', which means 'allowance' or 'permission to act'.
  • It gained popularity in Middle English, evolving to describe the act of allowing or granting authority.
  • As societies grew more complex, the concept of permissions became crucial in legal and social contexts.

The word 'permission' originated from the Latin word 'permissio', which means 'allowing, permission, consent'. The concept of permission has been a fundamental aspect of human societies for centuries, as it plays a crucial role in regulating interactions and behaviors. Over time, the notion of permission has evolved to encompass various contexts, from legal permissions to digital permissions in the age of technology.


See also: permissible, permission, permissive, permissiveness, permit, permitted, permitting.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,360, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.