Liscense vs. License: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 26, 2023
"Liscense" is an incorrect spelling; the correct form is "license," which refers to formal permission or authorization.

Which is correct: Liscense or License
How to spell License?

Liscense is Incorrect

License is Correct
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Key Differences
Think of "ice" in the middle of the word; you need a license to sell ice cream.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
The word begins with "li-" as in "liberty," which a license gives you the freedom to do something.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Remember that "sense" spelled backwards does not make "license."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
The "c" comes before the "s," just as you need permission ("license") before taking action ("s").

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
"License" has the same "se" ending as "permit," another word for formal authorization.

Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
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Liscense and License Definitions
License
A document granting permission or qualification.
She got her driver's license last week.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 16, 2023
License
A software agreement outlining usage rights.
Your software license expires next month.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 16, 2023
License
The freedom to deviate from strict rules.
The movie took some license with historical facts.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 16, 2023
License
Official or legal permission to engage in a regulated activity
"He believed that the subcommittee gave him license to interrogate anyone about any possible links to communism" (Donald A. Ritchie).

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
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License
A document, card, plate, or tag that is issued as proof of official or legal permission
A driver's license.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
A contract allowing someone to use a proprietary product or service
Has a site license for that software.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
Freedom of action or permission to act
"Doctors labeled many of the organs of the immune system 'functionless' ... giving surgeons license to remove them with abandon" (Andrew Weil).

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
Lack of due restraint; excessive freedom
"It is important to preserve freedom only for people who are willing to practice self-denial, for otherwise freedom degenerates into license and irresponsibility" (Milton Friedman).

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
Heedlessness for the precepts of proper behavior, especially with regard to sex
"noir stories of the consequences of sexual license" (Foster Hirsch).

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
An excuse or justification to do something wrong
People who see low-fat labels as a license to eat larger amounts.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
To give or yield permission to or for
"Deep down I wondered what licensed me to speak" (Jan Clausen).

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
A legal document giving official permission to do something; a permit.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
The legal terms under which a person is allowed to use a product, especially software.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
Freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behaviour or speech).

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
To give formal authorization to use.
It was decided to license Wikipedia under the GFDL.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
To acquire authorization to use, usually in exchange for compensation.
The filmmakers licensed several iconic 80's songs for the soundtrack.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
To permit (as grammatically correct).
No English adverbs have mandatory complements, and most don't even license optional ones.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
Authority or liberty given to do or forbear any act; especially, a formal permission from the proper authorities to perform certain acts or to carry on a certain business, which without such permission would be illegal; a grant of permission; as, a license to preach, to practice medicine, to sell gunpowder or intoxicating liquors.
To have a license and a leave at London to dwell.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
Excess of liberty; freedom abused, or used in contempt of law or decorum; disregard of law or propriety.
License they mean when they cry liberty.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
That deviation from strict fact, form, or rule, in which an artist or writer indulges, assuming that it will be permitted for the sake of the advantage or effect gained; as, poetic license; grammatical license, etc.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
To permit or authorize by license; to give license to; as, to license a man to preach.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
Freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
Excessive freedom; lack of due restraint;
When liberty becomes license dictatorship is near
The intolerable license with which the newspapers break...the rules of decorum

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
License
Legal authorization to operate or practice.
He lost his license to practice law.

Sara Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
License
A mechanism to control substance distribution.
You need a license to sell alcohol.

Harlon Moss
Sep 16, 2023
FAQs
Which vowel is used before license?
'A' as in "a license" or 'e' as in "the license."

Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
Why is it called license?
It derives from the Latin word "licentia," meaning "freedom, permission."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Which preposition is used with license?
"To," "for," "under," depending on context.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Is the word license imperative?
Not inherently, but it can be used in imperative sentences.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
What is the first form of license?
License (as a noun or as a base verb form).

Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
What is the third form of license?
Licensing (as a present participle or gerund verb form).

Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
What is the second form of license?
Licensed (as a past and past participle verb form).

Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
How is license used in a sentence?
"You need a license to drive a car legally."

Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
