Permit Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpɜːrmit/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A permission or license granted by a government agency or authority, usually in writing, to allow a person or organization to engage in a specific activity or occupancy.

Examples

1. “She applied for a permit to build a new home on her property.”

2. “The city issued a permit for the construction company to renovate the old building.”

Synonyms

1. License

2. Authorization

3. Certification

Antonyms

1. Restriction

2. Prohibition

Eymology

The word “permit” originated from the Old French word “permeter,” which means “to allow” or “to permit.” Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word evolved to include the concept of authorization and licensing.

Usage Notes

Permit is often used in formal and professional contexts to refer to official permissions or licenses. It should be used to describe specific activities or occupations that require permission.

Additional Information

Permits are essential for many activities, including construction, trade, and travel. Governments and authorities issue various types of permits to ensure public health, safety, and environmental protection. Permits can be valid for a specific period or revoked upon certain conditions.

Permits play a crucial role in regulating industries and activities that could potentially harm the environment or public safety. Without permits, businesses and individuals may engage in unauthorized activities that could result in fines, penalties, or even litigation.

Over the years, the use of permits has expanded to cover various aspects of life, including recreation, public transportation, and even simple leisure activities like skydiving or rock climbing.

Although permits provide essential oversight and regulation, they can also cause frustration for individuals and organizations who need to navigate complex bureaucratic processes to obtain permits. Modernization of permitting processes is ongoing to improve efficiency and user experience.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. Get a permit (to gain official permission)

2. Hold a permit (to have official permission)

3. Run a permit (to operate a business or activity with official permission)

Collocations

1. Building permit

2. Business license

3. Fishing permit

Frequency of Use

Permit is a common term used in various contexts, including construction, trade, and travel. It is often used in formal and professional settings.

Common Misspellings

1. Permit is often misspelled as “Permitte” or “Perment.”