The correct spelling of the word "licensed" is /ˈlaɪsənst/. The word is pronounced as "LIE-suhnst" and has the suffix "-ed" attached to the base word "license". The "c" in "license" changes to "s" in the past tense form of the word. This change happens due to the spelling rule of the English language which states that when a suffix starting with a vowel is added to a word ending in "c", the "c" changes to "s". Hence, "licensed" is the correct spelling for describing the past tense form of the word "license".
Licensed is an adjective that refers to something or someone that has obtained legal permission, authorization, or certification from an appropriate authority to engage in a particular activity, profession, or trade. It involves the issuance of a license, which is an official document or permit that grants the holder the legal right to carry out specified actions.
When used in the context of individuals, being licensed implies that they have undergone and successfully completed the necessary education, training, examinations, or assessments required by a governing or regulatory body. This ensures that they possess the essential knowledge, skills, and competency to provide professional services or perform certain tasks with a certain degree of expertise and in compliance with set standards and regulations.
In the case of businesses or institutions, being licensed entails that they have fulfilled specific criteria, met certain prerequisites, and obtained the necessary approvals to operate within a particular industry or field. These requirements aim to protect the public interest, ensure the quality and safety of goods or services being provided, or maintain ethical standards.
Having a license serves various purposes, including demonstrating competency, guaranteeing accountability, protecting consumers, maintaining professional standards, and preventing illegal or unauthorized activities. It signifies that the licensed entity or individual has met the necessary qualifications and is permitted to legally conduct their respective activities without infringement or legal liabilities.
Applied to an occupation which requires legal authority for its exercise, as a licensed hawker.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "licensed" originates from the Old French word "licencier", which means "to allow, permit". It is derived from the Latin word "licentia", which means "freedom, liberty, permission". "Licentia" is the noun form of the verb "licere", meaning "to be permitted, allowed". Ultimately, the Latin roots trace back to the Proto-Indo-European *leik- or *leis-, meaning "free, release, leave". Over time, "licencier" evolved into "licensed" in English, retaining the meaning of granting permission or authority.