licence
UK[ˈlaɪsəns]US[ˈlaɪsəns]
n
An official document that gives you permission to own, do, or use something.
n
Freedom to behave in a way that is considered unacceptable or offensive.
v
To give official permission for someone to do or have something.
Morpheme Breakdown
lic
ence
lic
permitted
ence
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'licence' originates from the Latin verb licēre, meaning "to be allowed." This Latin root is itself derived from the Proto-Indo-European base leik-, which carried the sense of "to offer, to bargain," a concept that evolved into the social and legal frameworks of permission and entitlement. Through Old French licence, the term entered Middle English, retaining its core meaning of formal authorization. The modern spelling 'licence' for the noun and 'license' for the verb reflects a conventional distinction, with the '-ence' suffix solidifying its meaning as the state or document of official permission, connecting the ancient idea of what is offered or allowed to contemporary certificates and freedoms.
Analysis
Structure: lic (permitted) + ence (noun suffix)
- lic: From Latin licēre, meaning "to be permitted, to be allowed." It functions as the core root conveying the concept of permission.
- ence: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-entia), indicating a state, quality, or condition. Here, it forms a noun meaning "the state or fact of being permitted."
Examples
You need a licence to drive a car or operate a television.
The film's violent content was criticized for taking too much artistic licence.
The company is licensed to produce software under the new agreement.