- 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
adjective
- giving permission; that permits
- allowing freedom; esp., tolerant of behavior or practices 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 permittereRelated Forms:
- permissively
adverb
- permissiveness
noun
permissive
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.
Anagrams
