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permissive
[ per-mis-iv ]
/ pərˈmɪs ɪv /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
habitually or characteristically accepting or tolerant of something, as social behavior or linguistic usage, that others might disapprove or forbid.
granting or denoting permission: a permissive nod.
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.
Genetics. (of a cell) permitting replication of a strand of DNA that could be lethal, as a viral segment or mutant gene.
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Origin of permissive
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French permissif “granting permission”; see origin at permission, -ive
OTHER WORDS FROM permissive
Words nearby permissive
permie, per mill, permillage, permissible, permission, permissive, permissiveness, permissivism, permit, permitted, permittivity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use permissive in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for permissive
permissive
/ (pəˈmɪsɪv) /
adjective
tolerant; lenientpermissive parents
indulgent in matters of sexa permissive society
granting permission
archaic not obligatory
Derived forms of permissive
permissively, adverbpermissiveness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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