French word

licence

Pronunciation

IPA/lisɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbachelor's degree

Example

Elle a obtenu une licence en biologie l'année dernière.

She obtained a bachelor's degree in biology last year.

Illustration for licence (bachelor's degree)

More examples

Sa licence en droit lui a permis de trouver un emploi.

Her bachelor's degree in law enabled her to find a job.

Core concept

A university milestone marking the completed first cycle of higher education.

Common phrases

  • obtenir une licence

    obtain a bachelor's degree

  • faire une licence

    pursue a bachelor's degree

  • une licence professionnelle

    a professional bachelor's degree

  • une licence en droit

    a bachelor's degree in law

Similar words

diplôme: An official certificate or qualification proving completion of study or training.
master: A master's degree awarded after completing an advanced higher education program.
baccalauréat: A high school diploma earned by passing the final examination.

Definition in French

Qualification académique obtenue après environ trois années d'études supérieures, qui certifie l'acquisition des unités d'enseignement du premier cycle.

Word origin

French licence comes from Latin licentia, meaning permission, and medieval academic usage linked it to authorization to teach before it became a degree name.

Usage tips

  • Licence is feminine, so standard forms include une licence and cette licence.

Other meanings

  • licensenoun
  • permissionnoun

Word lists with this word