permit
puh-MIHT
Permit (verb) means to allow something to happen or to give someone authorization to do it. Example: “Smoking is not permitted inside the building.”
verb
1
To allow something to happen or to give someone authorization to do it.
"Smoking is not permitted inside the building."
"Her visa permits her to work in the country for a year."
"The school does not permit students to use phones during lessons."
noun
1
An official document granting permission to do something.
"You need a permit to park in this zone."
"He applied for a building permit before starting work on the new extension."
"Fishing is only allowed here if you carry a valid permit."
How to use permit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a verb: to allow. As a noun: the official paper that grants formal permission.
When to use it
When used as a verb the stress falls on the second syllable (per-MIT); as a noun it falls on the first (PER-mit).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
work permit
building permit
permit access
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Word forms
- Plural
- permits
- Third person singular
- permits
- Past tense
- permitted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her visa _____ her to work in the country for a year.
Etymology
From Latin permittere ("to let go through"), from per- ("through") + mittere ("to send").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for permit
See all rhymes for permit →Frequently asked questions
What does “permit” mean?
The word “permit” means to allow something to happen or to give someone authorization to do it. In plain terms, as a verb: to allow. As a noun: the official paper that grants formal permission.
How do you pronounce “permit”?
“Permit” is pronounced puh-MIHT (/pɚˈmɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “permit” in a sentence?
Here is “permit” used in a sentence: “Smoking is not permitted inside the building.”
What part of speech is “permit”?
Depending on how it is used, “permit” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “permit” come from?
The word “permit” comes from Latin. From Latin permittere ("to let go through"), from per- ("through") + mittere ("to send").
Is “permit” a common word?
“Permit” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “permit” have?
“Permit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to allow something to happen or to give someone authorization to do it.
What is the difference between permit and allow?
Both mean to let something happen, but permit is slightly more formal and often implies official or authorised approval, while allow is more general and everyday. Rules and authorities permit; people allow.
What is the difference between a permit and a license?
Both are official documents granting permission, but a permit usually authorises a specific, often temporary activity, while a license typically grants a broader or longer-term right, such as to drive or practise a profession.
What is the difference between a permit and permission?
A permit is a physical or official document that grants permission, while permission is the abstract act or state of being allowed to do something. You can have permission without holding a permit.
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