Licenced vs. Licensed — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Munazza Shafiq — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 17, 2024
Licenced is the incorrect spelling of licensed in American English. Licensed refers to having official permission.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Licenced or Licensed
How to spell Licensed?
Licenced
Incorrect Spelling
Licensed
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Use the mnemonic: “S in licensed for ‘stateside’ standards,” to link the spelling to American English norms.
Remember that American English prefers the spelling with "–sed" for past participles like licensed.
Connect "licensed" with "professional," both ending in "–ed" to signify a state or quality.
Think of "licensed" as containing the word "license," followed by "d" to indicate a past action or state.
Recall other similar American English words that end in “–sed” after a vowel, like "advised" or "surprised."
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How Do You Spell Licensed Correctly?
Incorrect: Make sure the company is licenced before proceeding.
Correct: Make sure the company is licensed before proceeding.
Incorrect: The store is fully licenced and can sell alcohol.
Correct: The store is fully licensed and can sell alcohol.
Incorrect: We hired a licenced contractor for the renovations.
Correct: We hired a licensed contractor for the renovations.
Incorrect: Is he licenced to operate this equipment?
Correct: Is he licensed to operate this equipment?
Incorrect: She’s not licenced to teach in this state.
Correct: She’s not licensed to teach in this state.
Licensed Definitions
Officially permitted to engage in a profession or activity.
She is licensed to practice medicine in four states.
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).
Certified or approved by a relevant authority.
Every licensed driver must renew their license every few years.
Granted a license to operate or sell under specified conditions.
The restaurant was finally licensed to serve liquor.
A document, card, plate, or tag that is issued as proof of official or legal permission
A driver's license.
A contract allowing someone to use a proprietary product or service
Has a site license for that software.
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).
Poetic 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).
Heedlessness for the precepts of proper behavior, especially with regard to sex
"noir stories of the consequences of sexual license" (Foster Hirsch).
An excuse or justification to do something wrong
People who see low-fat labels as a license to eat larger amounts.
To give or yield permission to or for
"Deep down I wondered what licensed me to speak" (Jan Clausen).
To grant a license to or for; authorize.
(of a person or enterprise) having been issued with a licence (by the required authority)
Only licensed exterminators can purchase rat poison in this state.
(of a shop or restaurant) allowed to sell alcohol
The opening hours of licensed premises are restricted to prevent all-night drinking.
(of an activity) authorized by licence
Even licensed fishing has a major effect on the fish population in the river.
(of a product) based on an existing piece of intellectual property and sold under licence.
Although they sell well, licensed video games are seldom critically acclaimed.
Simple past tense and past participle of license
Having a license; permitted or authorized by license; as, a licensed victualer; a licensed traffic.
Given official approval to act;
An accredited college
Commissioned broker
Licensed pharmacist
Authorized representative
Having fulfilled conditions to undertake certain tasks or jobs.
The pilot was licensed after completing extensive training.
Allowed by law after meeting regulatory conditions.
The facility became fully licensed once it passed all inspections.
Licensed Meaning in a Sentence
The agency provides services only through licensed professionals.
He just became a licensed electrician.
We need to check if she is licensed to sell real estate.
All licensed therapists must adhere to professional standards.
She is a licensed veterinary technician.
Their facility was not licensed, leading to legal issues.
As a licensed pilot, he can fly commercial airliners.
You must be licensed to perform this type of work.
He operates a licensed daycare center in the community.
The café is licensed to serve both food and alcoholic beverages.
Every licensed vehicle must undergo an annual inspection.
Licensed venues can host larger events.
Only a licensed pharmacist can dispense prescription medications.
Being licensed ensures that standards are met.
They opened a licensed massage therapy clinic downtown.
Becoming a licensed driver requires passing both written and driving tests.
Make sure your accountant is licensed.
Licensed practical nurses must complete accredited programs.
Licensed products guarantee authenticity.
The city requires all businesses to be licensed.
Licensed goods are often more reliable.
Licensed software ensures user support and updates.
Licensed contractors usually carry insurance.
The tour operator is licensed and bonded.
A licensed guide led our tour through the historic district.
Licensed Idioms & Phrases
Licensed capacity
The maximum allowed number of occupants or participants as per a license.
The room has a licensed capacity of 100 people.
Independently licensed
Having a license without being affiliated with a larger governing body.
He is an independently licensed financial advisor.
Legally licensed
Having a license in accordance with the law.
All their firearms are legally licensed.
Licensed professional
Someone officially authorized to engage in a specific profession.
Only a licensed professional can submit these plans.
Fully licensed
Completely certified or authorized for all required activities.
The clinic is fully licensed to perform surgical procedures.
Licensed premises
Buildings or locations that have a legal permit, usually to sell alcohol.
Their wedding reception took place at a licensed premises.
Licensed vendor
A seller who has permission to sell goods, often in a specific location.
Licensed vendors can sell merchandise inside the stadium.
Licensed copy
A legitimate copy of a product, typically software, that has been legally obtained.
Make sure you install a licensed copy to avoid penalties.
Jointly licensed
Having a license shared by two or more entities.
The facility is jointly licensed by the two universities.
Licensed to thrill
Having all necessary qualifications to impress or excite.
The stunt driver is licensed to thrill audiences with his skills.
Licensed associate
Someone who has a provisional license under supervision.
She is working as a licensed associate under a senior psychologist.
State-licensed
Licensed by state authorities.
State-licensed breweries must adhere to specific regulations.
Locally licensed
Having a license issued by local government authorities.
The restaurant is locally licensed.
Licensed and bonded
Having both a license and a bond, which provides extra financial protection.
Hire a licensed and bonded contractor to ensure trustworthiness.
Nationally licensed
Having a license recognized across a nation.
He is a nationally licensed insurance agent.
Licensed to operate
Officially permitted to use equipment or facilities.
She is licensed to operate heavy machinery.
Licensed for public use
Authorized for use by the general public.
The park is licensed for public events and gatherings.
Licensed under
Having permission based on a specific legal agreement or law.
The software is licensed under the GPL.
Privately licensed
Holding a private license, not tied to public or governmental bodies.
The privately licensed clinic offers exclusive services.
Universally licensed
Having a license that is widely recognized or accepted.
Their medical equipment is universally licensed for sale.
Common Curiosities
How many syllables are in licensed?
Licensed has two syllables.
What is a stressed syllable in licensed?
The stressed syllable in licensed is the first syllable: li.
Why is it called licensed?
It is called licensed because it denotes having received a license, indicating official permission or qualification.
What is the root word of licensed?
The root word of licensed is "license."
How do we divide licensed into syllables?
Licensed is divided into syllables as follows: li-censed.
What is another term for licensed?
Another term for licensed is "certified" or "accredited."
What is the singular form of licensed?
Licensed is an adjective and does not have a singular or plural form; it modifies nouns.
How is licensed used in a sentence?
Licensed is used as an adjective to describe someone or something that has received official authorization or permission.
What is the verb form of licensed?
The verb form from which "licensed" is derived is "license."
What part of speech is licensed?
Licensed is an adjective.
What is the pronunciation of licensed?
Licensed is pronounced as /ˈlaɪ.sənst/.
Is licensed an adverb?
No, licensed is not an adverb; it is an adjective.
Is licensed a countable noun?
Licensed is not a noun; it is an adjective and does not have a countable form.
Is the licensed term a metaphor?
No, the term licensed is not a metaphor; it directly refers to the state of being officially permitted.
What is the plural form of licensed?
Licensed, as an adjective, does not have a plural form.
Is licensed a negative or positive word?
Licensed is a neutral word; however, it often carries a positive connotation because it implies compliance with regulations.
Is licensed a vowel or consonant?
The word "licensed" starts with a consonant.
Which determiner is used with licensed?
Determiners used with licensed can be "a," "the," or possessive forms, depending on the context.
Which vowel is used before licensed?
Typically, the article "a" is used before licensed when it's appropriate in the context.
Is licensed a collective noun?
No, licensed is an adjective, not a noun.
Is the word licensed imperative?
No, licensed is not imperative; it is an adjective.
Which conjunction is used with licensed?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" may be used with licensed, depending on the sentence structure.
Which article is used with licensed?
Both "a" and "the" can be used with licensed, depending on whether it refers to a specific instance or a general condition.
Is licensed a noun or adjective?
Licensed is an adjective.
Is the word “licensed” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Licensed, being an adjective, cannot be a direct or indirect object.
Which preposition is used with licensed?
Common prepositions used with licensed include "by," "for," and "to," depending on the sentence.
What is the opposite of licensed?
The opposite of licensed could be "unlicensed" or "unauthorized."
Is licensed an abstract noun?
No, licensed is an adjective, not a noun.
Is the word licensed Gerund?
No, licensed is not a gerund; it is an adjective.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Munazza Shafiq
