permissive

    [pər mis′iv]
Search YourDictionary Original Definitions

The definition of permissive is tolerant of something, often something of which others would disapprove.adjective

An example of permissive is a parent who allows her child to have a cell phone at the age of four.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

 

Search Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. giving permission; that permits
  2. allowing freedom; esp., tolerant of behavior or practices disapproved of by others; indulgent; lenient
  3. Archaic allowable and at one's option

Origin: ME < MFr permissif < ML permissivus < pp. of L permittere

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

 

Search The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

adjective
  1. Granting or inclined to grant permission; tolerant or lenient.
  2. Permitting discretion; optional.
  3. Archaic Not forbidden; permitted.

Related Forms:

  • per·misˈsive·ly adverb
  • per·misˈsive·ness noun
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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