The meaning of PERMISSIVE is granted on sufferance : tolerated. How to use permissive in a sentence.

PERMISSIVE definition: habitually or characteristically accepting or tolerant of something, as social behavior or linguistic usage, that others might disapprove or forbid. See examples of permissive …

PERMISSIVE definition: 1. A person or society that is permissive allows behaviour that other people might disapprove of…. Learn more.

1. tolerant; lenient: permissive parents. 2. indulgent in matters of sex: a permissive society.

A permissive person, society, or way of behaving allows or tolerates things which other people disapprove of. ...the permissive tolerance of the 1960s.

Definition of permissive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Permissive definition: Giving permission; that permits.

There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the word permissive, one of which is considered derogatory. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Sep 21, 2025 · Learn about the term 'Permissive,' its definition, usage, and significance in various contexts. Explore its etymology, related terms, and notable quotations.

PERMISSIVE meaning: giving people a lot of freedom or too much freedom to do what they want to do