permissive

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Allowing a lot of freedom, often more than is considered good or safe.

   Grammar: Often used before a noun (a permissive attitude) or after a linking verb (the rules are permissive).

   Patterns

   • permissive attitude
   • permissive society
   • permissive parent
   • permissive of something

   The school has a permissive policy on phone use during lessons.

   Some critics say modern parents are too permissive and don't set clear limits.

   The law is permissive rather than strict, allowing many exceptions.

2. 2adjectivenot comparabletechnicalbiology

   In biology, allowing or permitting a process to occur, especially in genetics or cell biology.

   Grammar: Technical use; usually before a noun.

   Patterns

   • permissive conditions
   • permissive cell

   The virus can only replicate in permissive cells.

   Scientists studied how permissive conditions affect gene expression.

Word forms

Common combinations

permissive society

The 1960s are often described as the birth of a more permissive society.

permissive attitude

His permissive attitude toward rules made him popular with students.

permissive parenting

Permissive parenting can lead to children who struggle with boundaries.

sexually permissive

The film was considered too sexually permissive for its time.

Synonyms and how they differ

lenient

Focuses on not punishing strictly; often used for rules or punishments.

tolerant

Suggests accepting differences without necessarily being too free.

indulgent

Implies giving in to someone's wishes too easily, often with a critical tone.

Opposites

Word family

permission noun

The act of allowing someone to do something.

permissiveness noun

The quality of being permissive.

permit verb

To allow something to happen.

Commonly confused: permissive or permissible?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “permissive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words