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permissive definition

per·mis·sive (pər mis′iv)

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

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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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