What does permission mean?
Permission means authorization or consent to do something, enter somewhere, use an object, or access information. It is a useful word because it describes not merely the absence of a prohibition but a positive granting of authority by someone with the relevant responsibility. In everyday speech, people ask for permission before taking an action that is not entirely their own: “May I leave?” or “Can I use your car?” In institutional and professional settings, permission can be formal, as in access permission, building permission, or permission to operate equipment. The word is related to “permit,” but “permission” usually names the authorization, while “permit” can be a verb or an official document. Although generally neutral, permission can sometimes imply that the person giving it has the power to decide, making phrases such as “without permission” sound potentially negative.
nounPermission is authorization or consent to do something, or to enter, use, or handle something. It may also refer to the formal act or document granting such authorization.
- Authorization or consent to do something.
- Formal authorization or approval to enter, use, or handle a particular place, object, or system.
- A permission or access right granted by an authority, especially in computing or institutional settings.
"She gave the children permission to play in the garden."
"The teacher gave the student permission to submit the assignment late."
"You need permission from the building manager before installing equipment on the roof."
The plural is less common than the singular and is used especially for separate grants of access or authorization.
"The system requires permissions to access confidential files."
Permission comes from a Latin root meaning “to send through,” so its basic idea is letting something pass.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does permission come from?
The word entered English through Old French “permission,” which was borrowed from Latin “permissio.” Latin “permissio” was derived from “permittere,” formed from “per-,” meaning through or forward, and “mittere,” meaning to send. The development of the Latin word into English preserved its sense of allowing or authorizing an action.
Related word forms
How permission is actually used
Permission is common in both formal and informal contexts. The phrase “permission to do something” is especially standard, while plural “permissions” is less common and often refers to separate access rights or authorizations.
Easily confused with permission
Permission is the authorization itself, whereas a permit can be an official document or a verb meaning to allow something.
Permission is general authorization to act, while a license is often a formal authorization to use a particular thing or carry out a regulated activity.