permission

The word “permission” means formal or informal consent for something to happen. In plain terms, official or personal approval to do something, or the access rules on a computer file.

“Permission” is pronounced puh-MIHSH-uhn (/pəɹˈmɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).

Here is “permission” used in a sentence: “You need permission from your manager to work from home.”

Words with a similar meaning to “permission” include allowance, authority, authorization, clearance, consent and leave.

The opposite of “permission” — its antonyms — are prohibition and sanction.

“Permission” is a noun.

The word “permission” comes from Latin. From Latin permissio, from permittere ("to allow").

“Permission” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

Permission is formal or informal approval granted by someone with the authority to allow something — a parent, a boss, a landlord. Consent is personal agreement to something that affects you, often carrying legal weight in areas like medicine or contracts. You ask for permission; you give consent.

Permission is the abstract act of allowing something — spoken or written approval. A permit is a physical or official document that records that permission, such as a parking permit or building permit. In short, a permit is formal, documented permission issued by an authority, usually for regulated activities.

Permission can be express or implied. Express permission is stated directly, either verbally or in writing. Implied permission is understood from circumstances or behavior, without being spoken. It can also be described as formal, such as an official authorization, or informal, like a friend saying it's fine to borrow something.

Asking a teacher, 'May I leave early?' and being told yes is permission. So is a landlord agreeing you can keep a pet, or a written note allowing a child to go on a school trip. Each is consent for something to happen, granted by someone with the authority to allow it.