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permit

v. · n.
US //ˈpɝˌmɪt// per·mit
  1. 1 to make possible (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make something possible because of the situation or circumstances.

    to admit of or provide an opportunity for something to occur. Often used in the phrase 'weather permitting'.

    Example

    We will have the party in the garden tomorrow, weather permitting.

    Example

    The design of the building permits easy access for wheelchairs while maintaining the historical integrity of the original facade.
  2. 2 official document (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    an official piece of paper or a document that allows you to do something, like park your car or build a house.

    a formal document or certificate issued by an authority that grants the holder permission to perform a specific act.

    Example

    You need a special permit to park your car in this part of the city.

    Example

    The construction firm had to wait three months for the local council to approve their building permit before work could begin on the site.
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  1. 3 type of fish (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a type of large fish that lives in the ocean and is popular for sport fishing.

    a large carangid fish, Trachinotus falcatus, found in the western Atlantic Ocean and prized as a game fish.

    Example

    The fisherman spent all day trying to catch a permit in the shallow water.

    Example

    Anglers often travel to the Florida Keys specifically to test their skills against the elusive and powerful permit.

Etymology 1

From Middle English permitten, borrowed from Middle French permettre, from Latin permittō (“give up, allow”), from per (“through”) + mittō (“send”).

Etymology 2

An irregular borrowing from Spanish palometa, probably from a Doric variant of Ancient Greek πηλαμύς (pēlamús, “young tuna”).

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