What is permit? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of permit

permitverb

/pəˈmɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of permit

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "permit" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends slightly on where you are (American vs. British English).

1. American English (Most Common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈpɜːrmɪt/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)
  • Breakdown:
    • per: Pronounced like the word "per" (as in, "pepper"). Short "e" sound.
    • mit: Pronounced like "mit" as in "mitt" (a glove). Short "i" sound.
  • Putting it together: Say "per-mit" (emphasize the "per").

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /ˈpɜːrmɪt/ (This is the same as American English, interestingly!)
  • However, British English tends to slightly reduce the vowel sound in "permit," making it sound a little shorter and almost like "per-mit" without quite as much emphasis on the 'per'.

Tips for both:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("per").
  • Don’t over-emphasize the "r". It’s a subtle 'r' sound, almost like a "r" that’s blended slightly into the vowel.

Resources for Hearing It:

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  • Are you aiming for an American or British English pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word permit in English

Let's break down how to use the word "permit" in English. It has several different meanings and uses, so understanding the context is key.

1. As a Verb (To Allow):

  • Meaning: To give official permission for something to happen. This is the most common usage.
  • Examples:
    • "The city permits street vendors in the downtown area." (The city allows it.)
    • "I need a permit to build a shed in my backyard." (I need permission to do it.)
    • "The doctor permitted me to take the day off work." (The doctor allowed it.)
    • "The customs officer permitted the goods to pass through." (The officer allowed them to go.)

2. As a Noun (Permission or Document):

  • Meaning: A formal document giving authorization to do something. It’s a written piece of paper (or sometimes digital) stating that you are allowed to do something.
  • Examples:
    • “I received a permit to drive a commercial vehicle.” (A document that says I'm allowed.)
    • "She applied for a permit to host a party." (A request for permission, often documented.)
    • "The construction crew needs a building permit before starting work." (A critical document for building.)
    • "He showed me his fishing permit." (A document proving he’s allowed to fish.)

3. More Formal/Legal Usage (Often with "grant"):

  • Meaning: To formally authorize something, often by a government agency. You'll often see "grant a permit" used.
  • Examples:
    • "The Environmental Protection Agency granted a permit for the new factory." (The EPA gave permission.)
    • “The council permitted the development to proceed.” (The council gave approval.)

Here’s a breakdown by category with some helpful phrases:

A. Permitting Activities/Events:

  • To permit an activity: "The park permits picnics."
  • To obtain a permit: “I need to obtain a permit for the festival.”
  • A permit for a…: “We have a permit for a fireworks display.”

B. Permitting Travel/Entry:

  • To permit entry: "The border guard permitted my entry into the country."
  • To permit travel: "The visa permits travel to France."

C. Permitting Legal Actions/Processes:

  • To permit legal action: “The court permitted the appeal.”
  • To permit a request: The lawyer permitted the request for more time.

Key Differences & Synonyms:

  • Permission vs. Permit: "Permission" is the concept of allowing something. "Permit" is the document or authorization that proves you have permission.
  • Synonyms for "permit" (as a verb): authorize, allow, sanction, grant.
  • Synonyms for "permit" (as a noun): license, authorization, clearance.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., building a house, organizing an event, traveling, etc.)
  • Do you have a specific sentence you'd like help with?

Synonyms for the word permit

Practice with vocabulary permit

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The local authorities must __________ the construction of any new commercial buildings within the city limits.
  2. Our company policy does not __________ the use of personal social media during working hours.
  3. Due to the sensitive nature of the information, the system will __________ unauthorized access attempts after three failed logins.
  4. To ensure the project's success, the team needs to __________ all stakeholders to collaborate effectively from the initial stages.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The university's regulations clearly state that students are not __________ to defer their final exams without official documentation. A) allowed B) permitted C) authorized D) enabled

  2. Before conducting any experiments, researchers must __________ the necessary ethical approval from the review board. A) acquire B) obtain C) secure D) fulfill

  3. Access to the executive lounge is strictly controlled; only those with a valid pass are __________ entry. A) granted B) enabled C) permitted D) sanctioned

  4. The new software license does not __________ users to modify the source code or redistribute the application. A) consent B) allow C) permit D) sanction

  5. All employees are expected to __________ company guidelines regarding data privacy and security. A) adhere on B) comply with C) abide by D) conform to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Employees are not allowed to bring visitors into the restricted laboratory area. Rewrite using a form of "permit":
  2. The city council gave its approval for the redevelopment project to commence. Rewrite using a form of "permit":
  3. It is essential to get official authorization before publishing any company-related content externally. Rewrite without using "permit" or related forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The local authorities must permit the construction of any new commercial buildings within the city limits.
  2. Our company policy does not permit the use of personal social media during working hours.
  3. Due to the sensitive nature of the information, the system will block unauthorized access attempts after three failed logins.
  4. To ensure the project's success, the team needs to enable all stakeholders to collaborate effectively from the initial stages.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) allowed, B) permitted, C) authorized
  2. A) acquire, B) obtain, C) secure
  3. A) granted, C) permitted
  4. B) allow, C) permit
  5. B) comply with, C) abide by, D) conform to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Company policy does not permit employees to bring visitors into the restricted laboratory area.
  2. The city council permitted the redevelopment project to commence. (Alternatively: The city council issued a permit for the redevelopment project to commence.)
  3. It is essential to obtain official approval before publishing any company-related content externally.

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