licence

An official document or permission allowing you to do a particular activity.

• I have a driving licence.
• Her fishing licence expires next month.
• Do you need a licence to run this business?

How to use it: licence to do something (You need a licence to sell alcohol.)

Similar words: permit

Common phrases: driving licence, a valid licence, renew a licence

To give official permission to do, produce, or sell something.

• The city will licence new taxi operators.
• They licenced the software to several schools.
• Which authority can licence shops to sell alcohol?

How to use it: licence someone to do something (The council will licence the company to operate buses.)

Similar words: license, authorize, permit

Opposites: prohibit

Common phrases: licence a business, licence software, licence someone to sell