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Definition of permissiveness

permissiveness

/pərˈmɪs.ɪv.nəs/
per · mis · sive · ness
Adverb:permissively
•
Adjective:permissive
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permissiveness Lexical Profile

permissiveness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or practice of allowing great freedom of behavior or moral latitude, especially to a degree considered overly lenient or indulgent.

Example

"Critics argued that the parents' extreme permissiveness had left the children unprepared for structured classroom rules."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for permissiveness

• Rhymes for permissiveness

• Nearby Words

permission
permissive
permissively
permissiveness
permit
permittee
permitting

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'permissive' and the noun suffix '-ness'. 'Permissive' derives via Old French from Medieval Latin permissivus, from Latin permittere ('to let go through, allow'), composed of per- ('through') and mittere ('to send, let go').

Cite this Entry

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