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

According to allegations in interviews, lawsuits and regulatory actions, BaronHR also created a permissive environment for discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation and pregnancy.

From New York Times

We are a famously permissive state in many ways, but I’m pretty sure you can’t legally drive while dead.

From Los Angeles Times

Noah Bookbinder, the president of the government watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said it seems “pretty unlikely” that Calvert violated any of Congress’ “pretty loose, and pretty permissive” conflict-of-interest laws.

From Los Angeles Times

Plus, he said the 2010 law expanding government oversight of the U.S. financial system is not as permissive as the SEC argued in defending the rule.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Trump’s restrictive approach to immigration, both legal and illegal, helped push Americans of various political stripes to support more permissive policies.

From New York Times

Related Words

• indulgent
• lax
• open-minded
• tolerant