What is license? Pronunciation and usage in English

license means . Learn how to pronounce and use license through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of license

licenseverb

/ˈlʌɪsns/
Definition & pronunciation of license

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "license" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈlaɪsəns/ (rhymes with "size" and "sense")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "li-": Pronounced like the "li" in "light." It's a short, quick "li."

  2. "-sen-": This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "sěn." Think of it as a short, quick "sen" sound. It's not like "lease" (which is pronounced with a long "e" sound).

  3. "-ce": This is pronounced like "s" – a soft "s" sound, as in "sun."

Putting it all together: ˈlaɪsəns (stress is on the first syllable - "LY-sense")

Here are some tips and things to avoid:

  • Don't say " लाइस-ens": This is a very common mistake! The "i" in "li-" is short, not long.
  • Don't pronounce the "e" in "license": It's silent.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "sen" part: It’s a quick, subtle sound.

Resources for hearing the pronunciation:

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Usage and examples with the word license in English

Let's break down how to use the word "license" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown:

1. As a Noun (the most common use):

  • Definition: A legal permission or right to do something, typically something that might otherwise be restricted. Think of it as a permit to operate or possess.

  • Examples:

    • "I need a license to drive a car." (Permission from the government)
    • "She has a fishing license." (Permission to fish)
    • "He owns a photography license." (Permission to take photos professionally)
    • "The restaurant has a liquor license." (Permission to sell alcohol)
    • "This software requires a license key." (A code used to activate the software)
    • "They obtained a business license to operate their store." (Official approval to run a business)

2. As a Verb (less common, but important):

  • Definition: To grant permission or authorization for someone to do something. To officially allow something to happen.

  • Examples:

    • "The government licensed the new airline." (Offered permission for the airline to operate)
    • "The company licensed the technology to another firm." (Gave permission for the other firm to use the technology)
    • "The judge licensed the couple to marry." (Officially sanctioned their marriage)

3. Specific contexts:

  • Software Licenses: This is a huge one! Software comes with a license agreement that dictates how you can use it (e.g., personal use only, commercial use, number of devices). Terms like "subscription license," "perpetual license," "trial license" are common.

  • Professional Licenses: Doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, architects – all require licenses to practice their professions. These are regulated by government bodies.

  • Hunting/Fishing Licenses: Almost universally required to legally hunt or fish.

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • Permission vs. Possession: The noun "license" generally refers to permission to do something. The verb "license" refers to granting that permission.

  • Formal Tone: “License” often has a more formal or official tone.

Tips for Using "License" Correctly:

  • Context is crucial. Always consider the situation to determine whether you need the noun or the verb.
  • Be specific. Instead of saying "He needs a license," try "He needs a driver’s license" or "He needs a business license."
  • Understand the type of license. Different licenses cover different activities and have different requirements.

Resources for More Information:

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  • Are you interested in a specific type of license (e.g., software license, driver's license)?
  • Do you want an example of how to use "license" in a particular sentence?

Synonyms for the word license

Practice with vocabulary license

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To operate a forklift, one must possess a valid operator's ________ issued by the relevant authority.
  2. The software company grants users a non-exclusive ________ to use its product under specific terms and conditions.
  3. Access to the restricted area requires special ________ from the security department, along with a valid ID.
  4. After completing the intensive training, she received her professional ________ in financial planning.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

  1. Which of the following typically grants an individual the legal right to perform a specific activity or operate certain equipment? a) A membership card b) A professional license c) A training certificate d) A bank statement

  2. What is usually required to legally publish and distribute copyrighted material created by another party? a) A formal endorsement b) A written permission c) A publishing license d) A legal authorization

  3. Which of these verbs accurately describes the act of officially allowing someone to do something? a) Permit b) Authorize c) License d) Prohibit

  4. When applying for an international conference in certain countries, you might need to present your travel ________. a) approval b) visa c) consent d) permit

  5. To legally protect an invention from being copied or used without permission, one typically applies for a ________. a) copyright b) trademark c) patent d) franchise

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Without official permission, you cannot practice medicine in this country. Rewrite using "license" or a related word form:
  2. Original: The government has given approval for the new construction project to proceed. Rewrite using "license" or a related word form:
  3. Original: Her qualifications allow her to teach advanced mathematics at university level. Rewrite without using "license" or a related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. license
  2. license
  3. permission
  4. certificate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) A professional license
  2. b) A written permission, c) A publishing license, d) A legal authorization
  3. a) Permit, b) Authorize, c) License
  4. b) visa, d) permit
  5. c) patent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. You cannot practice medicine in this country without a medical license.
  2. The government has licensed the new construction project to proceed.
  3. Her qualifications authorize her to teach advanced mathematics at university level.

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