permissive

[ per-mis-iv ]

adjective

1. habitually or characteristically accepting or tolerant of something, as social behavior or linguistic usage, that others might disapprove or forbid.

   Synonyms: lax, lenient, indulgent

2. granting or denoting permission:

   a permissive nod.

3. left to one's choice; not mandatory:

   This legislation is permissive and merely authorizes counties to levy a tax if in the county's best interest.

4. Genetics. (of a cell) permitting replication of a strand of DNA that could be lethal, as a viral segment or mutant gene.

permissive

/ pəˈmɪsɪv /

adjective

1. tolerant; lenient

   permissive parents

2. indulgent in matters of sex

   a permissive society

3. granting permission
4. archaic.
   not obligatory

Derived Forms

• perˈmissiveness, noun
• perˈmissively, adverb

Other Words From

• per·mis·sive·ly adverb
• per·mis·sive·ness noun
• non·per·mis·sive adjective
• non·per·mis·sive·ly adverb
• un·per·mis·sive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of permissive¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French permissif “granting permission”; permission, -ive

Example Sentences

Kaminsky has pointed out that he did not write the law, and favored a less permissive version.

From Washington Post

Compared to other countries — including places like Japan, Singapore, Germany — we can afford to be more permissive.

From Freakonomics

Science actually requires a permissive attitude to published claims in order to do its job of discovering important truths.

From Nautilus

In the US, some traveled across state lines to take advantage of more permissive eligibility criteria in neighboring states.

From MIT Technology Review

For instance, the guidelines could become more permissive as vaccination becomes more widespread and cases continue to fall.

From Science News

Edward and Alexandra were the most permissive royal parents.

From The Daily Beast

The program is medically based, not permissive as in states like Colorado that are experiencing the consequences of legalization.

From The Daily Beast

Just as important, however, is a permissive external environment.

From The Daily Beast

In 2008, Mark Krikorian published an important new book arguing against permissive immigration.

From The Daily Beast

With every other drug, attitudes today are less permissive today than they were a generation ago.

From The Daily Beast

It would be better to give them all charters of incorporation; but still he would make that permissive.

From Project Gutenberg

It contained a permissive clause which allowed of the formation of companies to control the spirit-sale in towns.

From Project Gutenberg

Though they seldom come out of their houses, except under permissive sanction, yet their stock of gossip is almost inexhaustible.

From Project Gutenberg

The Mosaic provision had been but permissive, and was justified only because of existing unrighteousness.

From Project Gutenberg

Calvin never said anything harsher; and all that can only be excused if it is to be understood of a permissive will.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• indulgent
• lax
• open-minded
• tolerant