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 used in a sentence. Definition of permissive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

Understanding the Context

Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. A permissive person, society, or way of behaving allows or tolerates things which other people disapprove of. ...the permissive tolerance of the 1960s. 1.

Key Insights

tolerant; lenient: permissive parents. 2. indulgent in matters of sex: a permissive society. PERMISSIVE meaning: 1. A person or society that is permissive allows behaviour that other people might disapprove of….

Final Thoughts

Learn more. 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. permissive, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English ...

A permissive coach will cut players slack during practices and games. Laws can be permissive too — about drugs, guns, and other things that could be tightly controlled. A permissive society is one with more freedom. When a situation is permissive, there's permission to do more things.