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 …

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

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

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.

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 …

Permissive definition: Giving permission; that permits.

Sep 21, 2025 · “Permissive” is commonly used to describe parenting styles, societal attitudes, and policies that are notably liberal or tolerant. It often carries connotations of leniency and can …