permissive
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.per·mis·sive
adjective \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
See Examples of PERMISSIVE
- 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
per·mis·sive
adjective \pər-ˈmis-iv\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of PERMISSIVE
: supporting genetic replication (as of a virus) <permissive temperatures> <permissive monkey cells>
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