licence

Everyday

1. A licence is an official paper or card that gives you permission to do or own something, such as drive a car, catch fish or sell food. tree →
2. Licence can also mean freedom to do or say what you like («poetic licence» means a writer may change facts or rules for effect). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life adults need a driving licence to drive and a TV licence in the UK; shops may need a licence to sell certain things. Laws link licences to safety: only trained people can do some jobs. Phrases: «driving licence», «fishing licence», «licence plate» (US: license plate), «poetic licence».

Examples

• Mum showed her driving licence to the police officer. tree →
• You need a licence to fish in this river. tree →
• In the UK, families pay for a TV licence. tree →
• Dad lost his licence for speeding. tree →
• The café has a licence to sell food on the beach. tree →
• The writer used poetic licence and made the castle taller. tree →
• My big brother just got his learner's licence. tree →
• The shop's licence is on the wall. tree →

Note

British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand English: noun «licence», verb «license» (to give permission). American English uses «license» for both. Canada mostly uses «licence» for the noun. Remember: «c» for the noun, like «advice/advise» and «practice/practise».