admittance
UK[ədˈmɪt(ə)ns]US[ədˈmɪtns]
n
the right or permission to enter a place or institution.
n
the process of being allowed to enter a place or join an organization.
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
mit
ance
ad
to
mit
send
ance
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'admittance' originates from the Latin verb admittere, a compound of ad- ('to') and mittere ('to send, let go'). The core concept was of allowing someone or something to be sent or let go into a place. This literal sense of 'letting in' passed into Old French as admettre and subsequently into Middle English. The suffix -ance, also of Latin origin via French, was added to form a noun denoting the action or result of admitting. Over time, the meaning specialized from the general act of allowing entry to focus more on the formal right, permission, or physical process of gaining entrance.
Analysis
Structure: ad (to) + mit (send) + ance (noun suffix)
ad- (Latin prefix meaning 'to, toward'); mit (from Latin mittere, meaning 'to send'); -ance (Latin-derived noun suffix forming abstract nouns indicating an action or state).
Examples
security checks are required for admittance to the building.
she gained admittance to the university after a rigorous application process.
the sign on the door read "no admittance except on official business."