permissive
Americanadjective
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habitually or characteristically accepting or tolerant of something, as social behavior or linguistic usage, that others might disapprove or forbid.
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granting or denoting permission.
a permissive nod.
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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.
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Genetics. (of a cell) permitting replication of a strand of DNA that could be lethal, as a viral segment or mutant gene.
adjective
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tolerant; lenient
permissive parents
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indulgent in matters of sex
a permissive society
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granting permission
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archaic not obligatory
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of permissive
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French permissif “granting permission”; see origin at permission, -ive
Explanation
Being permissive is the opposite of being strict. Permissive parents let their kids stay up later and have more sweets. A permissive person is a little more lenient or loosey-goosey with the rules. A permissive teacher is easier on the students and lets them get away with more. A permissive coach will cut players slack during practices and games. Laws can be permissive too — about drugs, guns, and other things that could be tightly controlled. A permissive society is one with more freedom. When a situation is permissive, there's permission to do more things.
Vocabulary lists containing permissive
Measure for Measure
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You Bring the Distant Near
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The Wind in the Willows
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Permissive humans are warm and adaptable but don’t set clear expectations.
From Washington Post • Jan. 27, 2023
Upgraded versions of the Permissive Action Links system are still in use by the American military.
From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2022
Padelford: “You either have a yellow blinking arrow or you’re allowed to turn left as long as no one else is coming. Permissive left turns are often problematic for pedestrian safety.”
From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2017
Permissive parenting is characterized by high warmth and low control and demandingness.
From Slate • May 8, 2013
By a Permissive Act passed in 1825 the shareholders in most of these are liable for double the amount of their shares.
From Everybody's Guide to Money Matters: with a description of the various investments chiefly dealt in on the stock exchange, and the mode of dealing therein by Cotton, William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
