permissive

adjective

per·​mis·​sive pər-ˈmi-siv How to pronounce permissive (audio)
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
4
: supporting growth or genetic replication (as of a virus)
permissive host cells
permissively adverb
permissiveness noun

Examples of permissive in a Sentence

Some states have more permissive laws than others.
Recent Examples on the Web While San Diego’s pursuit policy says officers should consider a host of factors before initiating a pursuit — including traffic patterns, familiarity with an area and the safety of the person or people being pursued — the crime types that can lead to chases are permissive. Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2024 Conservative proposals include regulatory reform, like faster permits or more permissive zoning, to reduce construction costs. Jason Deparle, New York Times, 19 Dec. 2023 Adam Schultz, a parent of a former Keller school district student, was one of several speakers who criticized the board for creating a permissive environment for discrimination of LGBTQ students. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Mar. 2024 Under the most permissive license in state medical marijuana regulations signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2015, FLRish Inc. plans to grow four acres – 174,240-square feet – of marijuana to be marketed under Harborside Farms, named after the dispensaries DeAngelo operates. Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 During ordinary times, most young American adults enjoy an open, freewheeling, permissive cultural environment, one that encourages and rewards the formation of social ties. Eric Klinenberg, TIME, 9 Feb. 2024 The Czech Republic has more permissive gun laws than most countries in Europe, even allowing concealed carry with a permit. Kate Brady, Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2023 Generally, the study linked permissive laws, like those in Utah, to more outbreaks. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 Oct. 2023 And to exploit a permissive enemy properly requires expensive training, equipment, and officer preparation. Stephen Biddle, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'permissive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of permissive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near permissive

Cite this Entry

“Permissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permissive. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

permissive

adjective
per·​mis·​sive pər-ˈmis-iv How to pronounce permissive (audio)
1
: granting or tending to grant permission : allowing
2
: not forbidden : allowable
permissively adverb
permissiveness noun

Medical Definition

permissive

adjective
per·​mis·​sive pər-ˈmis-iv How to pronounce permissive (audio)
: supporting growth or genetic replication (as of a virus)
permissive temperatures
permissive monkey cells

Legal Definition

permissive

adjective
per·​mis·​sive
1
: based on or having permission
permissive occupancy
a permissive user of the vehicle
2
: granting permission or discretion (as to the court)
a permissive statute
3
: not compulsory: as
a
: allowed or made under a standard, rule, or provision that permits discretion or an option see also permissive intervention at intervention, permissive presumption at presumption compare compulsory
b
: allowed under modern rules of civil procedure although not arising from the same transaction or occurrence as the one at issue in the original claim
a permissive counterclaim
see also permissive joinder at joinder
permissively adverb
permissiveness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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