permissive

per·mis·sive

adj \pər-ˈmi-siv\

Definition of PERMISSIVE

1

archaic : granted on sufferance : tolerated

2

a : granting or tending to grant permission : tolerant b : deficient in firmness or control : indulgent, lax

3

: allowing discretion : optional <reduced the permissive retirement age from 65 to 62>

— per·mis·sive·ly adverb

— per·mis·sive·ness noun

Examples of PERMISSIVE

1. Some states have more permissive laws than others.

Origin of PERMISSIVE

Middle English permyssyf, from Middle French permissif, from Latin permissus

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with PERMISSIVE

admissive, derisive, dismissive, emissive, submissive, transmissive