license
UK: ˈlaɪsəns | US: ˈlaɪsəns
n. official permission to do, use, or own something
n. freedom to deviate from strict rules or standards
vt. to grant formal permission or authorization
license = lic<permit> + ense<noun suffix>
- lic (from Latin licēre, meaning "to be permitted")
- ense (a noun-forming suffix, often derived from Latin -entia or -ensia)
Etymology Origin:
The word "license" traces back to Latin licentia ("freedom, permission"), derived from licēre ("to be allowed"). It entered Middle English via Old French licence, retaining its core sense of formal authorization. The suffix -ense (or -ence) marks it as a noun denoting a state or condition. Over time, the meaning expanded to include both legal permission (e.g., a driver’s license) and metaphorical freedom (e.g., artistic license).
You need a license to operate heavy machinery.
The software is distributed under an open-source license.
Poets often take creative license with grammar rules.
The city licensed several new restaurants last year.
His behavior crossed the line from freedom to license.