Cool MateAuthorize vs License
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Authorize
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb
License
Top 1,000 (very common)C1verb
Most formal: AuthorizeMost common: License
| Authorize | License | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈlaɪsns/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪz/","/ˈlaɪsnst/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈlaɪsns/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪz/","/ˈlaɪsnst/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To give permission or power to do something. | A permit that allows you to do something, like drive or practice a profession. |
| Example | I can authorize payments up to £5 000. | The new drug has not yet been licensed in the US. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | authorize access, authorize a transaction, authorize a request, authorize changes | driver's license, business license, fishing license, license plate, teaching license |
| Antonyms | prohibit, forbid, disallow | prohibition, ban, forbiddance |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'authorize' with 'authentic' as they have different meanings., Using 'authorize' without an object when it needs one (e.g., 'authorize access' not just 'authorize')., Mixing up 'authorize' with 'permit', which can have slightly different uses. | Confused with 'licence' (the British spelling)., Used as a verb instead of a noun, e.g., 'I need to license my car.' (should be 'I need a license for my car.'), Mixing up 'license' and 'permit' in specific contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'authorize' in formal settings when discussing permission or approval, such as in business, law, or official documents. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'license' when referring to official permissions, especially legal or professional. It's not appropriate in casual conversations about everyday activities. |
Frequently asked questions: Authorize vs License
What's the difference between Authorize and License?
Authorize: To give permission or power to do something. License: A permit that allows you to do something, like drive or practice a profession.
Which is more formal: Authorize and License?
Authorize is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Authorize and License?
License is the most common in everyday English.
Are Authorize and License the same CEFR level?
Authorize: C1, License: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Authorize and License interchangeably?
Not always. Authorize and License are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.