permissive
per·mis·sive
Some parents believe that it is too permissive to allow a child under five years old to have a cell phone.
The definition of permissive is tolerant of something, often something of which others would disapprove.
An example of permissive is a parent who allows her child to have a cell phone at the age of four.
permissive
- giving permission; that permits
- allowing freedom; esp., tolerant of behavior or practices generally disapproved of by others; indulgent; lenient
- Archaic allowable and at one's option
Origin of permissive
Middle English from Middle French permissif from Medieval Latin permissivus from past participle of Classical Latin permitterepermissive
adjective
- a. Granting or inclined to grant permission; tolerant or lenient: permissive parents.b. Characterized by freedom of personal behavior or a disregard of traditional social mores.
- Permitted or optional: permissive uses of funds.
- Biology Supporting viral replication. Used of a cell.
Related Forms:
- per·mis′sive·ly
adverb
- per·mis′sive·ness
noun
permissive
Adjective
(comparative more permissive, superlative most permissive)
- Giving, or predisposed to give permission; lenient.
