the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization
"The city council voted to permit construction on the new bridge after reviewing all safety plans."
large game fish; found in waters of the West Indies
"The captain proudly displayed his catch, a massive permit that he had reeled in from the warm waters off Barbados."
An artifact or document rendering something allowed or legal.
"The angler carefully lifted the caught fish, a permit known scientifically as Trachinotus falcatus, from the shallow water to admire its iridescent scales."
A pompano of the species Trachinotus falcatus.
In plain English: A permit is an official paper that gives you permission to do something specific.
"He showed his driver's permit to the officer at the checkpoint."
Usage: Do not use "permit" to refer to a type of fish; that definition belongs to the word "pompano." As a noun, permit means an official document or license granting permission to do something.
consent to, give permission
"She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband"
"I won't let the police search her basement"
"I cannot allow you to see your exam"
To allow (something) to happen, to give permission for.
"The city council will not permit any construction on the protected wetlands until further environmental studies are completed."
In plain English: To permit means to allow someone to do something.
"The manager will permit us to leave early if we finish our work ahead of schedule."
Usage: Use "permit" as a verb when you want to formally state that someone or something is allowed to do an action. It functions identically to "allow," but often carries a slightly more official or strict tone regarding rules and regulations.
The word permit traveled into English through Middle French and Middle English. It originally came from the Latin phrase meaning "to send through," which evolved to mean allowing something or someone to pass.