license

Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪ.səns/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a legal document giving official permission to do something
  2. noun freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)
  3. noun excessive freedom; lack of due restraint; - Will Durant; - Edmund Burke

Etymology

From Middle English licence, licens, lisence, lissens, licance, from Old French licence, from Latin licentia (“license”), from licens, present participle of licere (“to be allowed, be allowable”); compare linquere, Ancient Greek λείπω (leípō, “leave”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

licence, permit

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
legal document
Narrower (hyponyms)
building permit, letter of marque, pass, occupation license, driver's license, marriage license

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