licence (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun and Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈlaɪsəns/

Meaning and Usage

The word "licence" (spelled "license" in American English) primarily refers to a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or engage in a profession. It is frequently used in legal and bureaucratic contexts.

The use of "licence" can vary between written and spoken language; it is commonly found in official documents, legal texts, and formal communications, while it may appear less frequently in casual conversation.

Example Sentences

1. She applied for a driving licence to be able to drive her new car.

2. Translation: Ella solicitó un permiso de conducir para poder manejar su nuevo coche.

3. The restaurant needs to renew its business licence every year.

4. Translation: El restaurante necesita renovar su licencia de negocio cada año.

5. He lost his fishing licence while camping last summer.

6. Translation: Perdió su licencia de pesca mientras acampaba el verano pasado.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Licence" is part of several idiomatic expressions, particularly in legal and regulatory contexts. Below are some common phrases using "licence."

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. To give someone a licence to do something: This means to allow or permit someone to act in a certain way.
2. "His behavior at the party gave me a licence to speak my mind."

3. Translation: Su comportamiento en la fiesta me dio licencia para expresar lo que pensaba.

4. To operate on a licence: This refers to functioning within the terms of a license.

5. "The company is operating on a licence issued by the government."

6. Translation: La empresa está operando bajo una licencia emitida por el gobierno.

7. Without a licence: Used when someone is doing something without the necessary permission or legal authorization.

8. "The mechanic was fined for working on cars without a licence."

9. Translation: El mecánico fue multado por trabajar en coches sin licencia.

10. Licence to thrill: Often used informally to mean having permission or the ability to do something exciting or adventurous.

11. "His new job offers him a licence to thrill as he travels the world."
12. Translation: Su nuevo trabajo le ofrece la licencia para emocionarse mientras viaja por el mundo.

Etymology

The word "licence" originates from the Latin "licentia," meaning "freedom" or "permission." The term evolved through Old French before entering the English language in the late Middle Ages.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Permit - Authorization - Certificate - Allowance

Antonyms: - Prohibition - Ban - Disallowance - Forbiddance