Word
permission
Phoneticsper·mis·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/pɝˈmɪʃən/
UK/pəmˈɪʃən/
Definitions
01authorisation
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
n. the act of allowing someone to do something, often given by someone in charge.
n. formal or informal authorisation or consent granted by an authority figure.
“You need to ask your teacher for permission before you leave the classroom.”
“The developer had to obtain written permission from the local council before beginning any structural work on the historic building.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to the abstract concept of being allowed to do something.
Pitfall
I asked for a permission to leave.
I asked for permission to leave.
In general usage, 'permission' is usually uncountable and does not take the article 'a'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02computing access
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Computing Technical
n. settings on a computer that decide who can see or change a file.
n. flags or access control lists associated with a file or system that dictate user access levels.
“I cannot open the document because I do not have permission to view it.”
“The system administrator updated the folder permissions to ensure that only the accounting department could modify the payroll spreadsheets.”
Usage
Often used in the plural ('permissions') in technical contexts.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “permission” in context.
Confusables
Permission is the abstract concept of being allowed to do something, while a permit is the physical document or specific legal authorization.
RememberPermission is the 'yes'; a permit is the paper.
Etymology
From Middle English permision, permission, permissioun, permyssion, from Middle French permission, from Latin permissiō. Equivalent to permit + -ion. Mostly replaced native English leave, from Old English lēaf (“permission”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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