license
0 antonyms and opposites of license, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To give official permission or authorization to do something.
How to use license
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English licencen, from Old French licencier, from Medieval Latin licentio.
Full origin of license →Frequently asked questions
What does “license” mean?
The word “license” means to give official permission or authorization to do something. In plain terms, to officially authorize something, or to pay for the right to use someone else's work.
How do you pronounce “license”?
“License” is pronounced LEYE-suhns (/ˈlaɪ.səns/ in IPA).
How do you use “license” in a sentence?
Here is “license” used in a sentence: “The city licenses food trucks to operate on public streets.”
What part of speech is “license”?
“License” is a verb.
Where does the word “license” come from?
The word “license” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle English licencen, from Old French licencier, from Medieval Latin licentio.
Is “license” a common word?
“License” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “license” have?
“License” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give official permission or authorization to do something.
What is the difference between license and licence?
In American English, "license" covers both the verb and the noun. In British English, "license" is the verb and "licence" is the noun — so an authority licenses a driver, who then holds a licence. The meaning is identical; only the spelling splits by part of speech, and only in British usage.
What does it mean to license something?
To license something is to grant official permission for it — allowing a person or company to legally do, use, sell, or produce something. A council might license a venue to sell alcohol, or a studio might license its characters to a toy maker in return for fees.
Can you license a product or idea?
Yes. Licensing lets the owner of a brand, product, patent, or creative work grant others the right to use it under agreed terms and payment. The owner keeps ownership while the licensee gains permission. It is common with software, music, franchises, and merchandise, and is often a major source of income.
How do you remember license vs licence?
A common British tip borrows from "advise" and "advice": the spelling with an "s" is the verb (advise, license) and the one with a "c" is the noun (advice, licence). Since an "s" word does the action, "license" is the doing word. American English simply uses "license" for both.