Permit
/pərˈmɪt/noun
To allow or authorize someone to do something.
Did you know?The word 'permit' originates from Latin, where it was used in legal contexts, often tied to the granting of power or authority, reminiscent of ancient rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mer-
“to die, to fall, or to be lost, suggesting a deep connection to surrender.”
Latin
Latin
permittĕre
“to send through, to allow, emphasizing the act of granting permission or authority.”
Old French
Old French
permetre
“to permit or allow, carrying the legal and formal connotation of approval.”
Middle English
Middle English
permetten
“to allow or grant permission, reflecting the transition of the word into English law and society.”
Modern English
English
permit
“to allow or authorize, maintaining its formal roots while expanding into everyday use.”