Meaning & Definition of word "Permit"

Permit

/pərˈmɪt/

noun:

  • 1. A document granting permission to do something.
    • Example: She applied for a permit to hold a public event in the park.
  • 2. An official license or authorization.
    • Example: You must have a fishing permit to fish in these waters.

verb:

  • 1. To allow someone to do something or to give permission for something.
    • Example: The teacher did not permit students to use their phones during the exam.
  • 2. To give formal consent or approval.
    • Example: The city council permitted the construction of the new park.
  • 3. To concede or allow; to enable.
    • Example: The new software permits users to customize their interface.

Etymology

Middle English: from Latin permittere, from per- 'through' + mittere 'to send'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

building permit:

A legal authorization to begin construction or renovation.

permit granted:

Indicates that permission has been officially given.

work permit:

A legal document allowing a foreign worker to take a job in the host country.

Related Words

permission:

The action of allowing someone to do something.

permissive:

Allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior.

permittivity:

The ability of a material to allow electric field lines to pass through it.

Slang Meanings of permit

Meaning: To let it slide

Example Sentence: The teacher usually permits late assignments if you ask nicely.

Meaning: Give the green light

Example Sentence: They finally permitted the project to move forward.