The difference between “license” and “licence” is primarily regional:
- License (used both as a noun and verb in American English)
- Example (noun): “He has a driver’s license.”
- Example (verb): “The software is licensed under MIT.”
- Licence (British English noun) and License (British English verb)
- Example (noun, UK): “He has a driving licence.”
- Example (verb, UK): “The software is licensed under MIT.”
In essence, in American English, “license” serves as both the noun and verb form. In contrast, British English differentiates between the two: “licence” is the noun, and “license” is the verb. However, it’s crucial to remember the context and audience when writing, as using the appropriate form can enhance clarity and adherence to regional language standards.