Words / B1

LYSNS/ˈlaɪsns/

A licence is an official permit (UK noun): a driving licence; a TV licence; a licence to sell alcohol. License is the UK verb and the US noun spelling. Permit is a close cousin. Do not write “a driving license” in UK exams. Lose your licence is a court/news phrase. Licence fee appears with the BBC.

Meaning

An official document that allows you to do or own something (UK noun spelling).

Examples

• “You need a full driving licence for this job.”
• “The job advert asked for a full UK driving licence.”
• “The council licensed the venue until 1 a.m., which is the verb spelling.”

Good to know

UK noun: licence. UK verb / US noun: license. Close: permit. Exam trap: driving licence (UK).

Near in meaning

permit

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