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Definition of permissive

permissive

/pərˈmɪs.ɪv/
per · mis · sive
Adverb:permissively
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permissive Lexical Profile

permissive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior, especially in social, moral, or disciplinary matters.

Example

"The psychologist noted that overly permissive parenting often leaves children without clear boundaries."

2

Granting permission or leaving a course of action optional rather than mandatory (especially in law, governance, or computing).

Example

"The statute contains a permissive clause that allows local municipalities to adopt their own zoning standards."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for permissive

• Nearby Words

permissible
permissibly
permission
permissive
permissively
permissiveness
permit

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French permissif or Medieval Latin permissivus, from the Latin past participle stem permiss- of permittere, meaning 'to let go through' or 'to allow'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Permissive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/permissive
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