license

Syllables:
li·cen·se
3 syllables
license in syllables

About "license"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "license" into Syllables

The word license is divided into 3 syllables: li·cen·se. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • li — 1st syllable
  • cen — 2nd syllable
  • se — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of license:

  • IPA: /ˈlaɪ.səns/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. license (countable and uncountable, plural licenses) (American spelling)
  2. A legal document giving official permission to do something; a permit.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English licence, licens, lisence, lissens, licance, from Old French licence, from Latin licentia (“license”), from licens, present participle of licere (“to be allowed, be allowable”); compare linquere, Ancient Greek λείπω (leípō, “leave”). From Middle English licencen, licensen, lisensen, licent, from Old French licencer, licencier, licenciier, licenser, from Medieval Latin licentiō (cf. English licentiate).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down license into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare license with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
license 3 li·cen·se
leguminous 4 le-gu-min-ous
leaching 2 leach-ing
laughing 2 laugh-ing
lacewing 3 la-cew-ing

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to license:

lice, lick, licit, lichee, lichen, licking, licensee, licorice.

Frequently Asked Questions About "license"

How many syllables does "license" have?

license has 3 syllables: li·cen·se. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "license"?

The stress is on the first syllable: li. This means you emphasize the "li" part when pronouncing license.

How do you pronounce "license"?

license is pronounced as /ˈlaɪ.səns/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: li·cen·se.

Is "license" easy to spell?

Breaking license into syllables helps with spelling: li·cen·se. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "license" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.