license - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
license Word Meanings
- to permit officially or legally
- to grant a license to someone
- having an official license or certification
license Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
license Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈlaɪsəns/
US
/ˈlaɪsəns/
license Word Etymology
License: li- (from) + cense (to be assessed). Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a gatekeeper giving you a special pass, symbolizing that you have permission to enter a restricted area.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
License, as a verb, means to permit officially or legally, or to grant a license to someone. As an adjective (often used as 'licensed'), it describes something that has received official authorization or certification. In everyday English you hear about driving licenses, business licenses, or software licenses; governments issue licenses after checks, and organizations can license content or technology to others. The idea is a formal permission that reduces risk or ensures standards. You can also talk about the act of licensing someone to perform a task, or about being licensed in a profession. Note that in some sets, 'license' as a noun is distinct from 'permit' or 'certificate', depending on region and context.
Usage Reminders
- • Learn that license can be a permission, a document, or a status. \
- • Distinguish between verb, noun, and adjective forms. \
- • Watch for collocations like license to drive, license to operate, software license. \
- • In British English, note the spelling 'licence' for the noun sense. \
- • Avoid mixing up license with certificate or permit in formal contexts. \
- • Remember licensed means officially approved, not just trusted.
Common Misconceptions
- License is always a formal permit; it can also be permission or certification depending on context.
- Licenced is a common misspelling of licensed in American English
- License and permit are interchangeable in all contexts
- Licensed means trusted; it never means officially authorised
- Confusing 'license' with 'certificate' or 'diploma'
Thinking Differences
English often separates permission (license as a verb) from the noun for documents or status; learners may mix up permit, licence, and certificate and struggle with collocations like 'licence to drive' vs 'license to operate'.
Learning Tips
- Learn to group license with the right nouns (driving license, business license, software license).
- Practice the verb form 'to license' and the adjective 'licensed'.
- Remember 'licence' vs 'license' difference mainly in UK English for the noun.
- Use context to choose between permit, license, and certificate.
- Create a quick glossary of common collocations (license to drive, tax license, software license).
- Watch for regional terms (driver's license vs driving licence).
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'license'?
A.Confiscate
B.Permission
C.Prohibit
D.Ignore
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'license' used in a sentence?
A.They seized his license.
B.He banned the license requirement.
C.She was granted a license to drive.
D.She neglected the license application.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'license'?
A.Overlook
B.Permit
C.Confiscate
D.Forbid
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'license'?
A.Authorize
B.Restriction
C.Confine
D.Allowance
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you need a 'license'?
A.Practicing medicine
B.Flying a plane
C.All of the above
D.Driving a car
Related Listening
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