Word
permissive
Phoneticsper·mis·sive, stress on the second syllable
US/pɝˈmɪsɪv/
UK/pəmˈɪsɪv/
Definition
adj. allowing or encouraging people to do what they want, even if it is not always safe or traditional. In biology, it describes a gene that lets another gene work.
adj. allowing or encouraging freedom of action or expression; in a biological context, facilitating the expression of another gene. Often used to describe social attitudes or genetic regulation.
Examples
“The school has a very permissive attitude toward student dress.”
“The new software update includes a permissive license that allows users to modify the code for any purpose.”
“While the regulatory environment was initially restrictive, the recent shift toward a more permissive framework has spurred a wave of innovation across the sector.”
Examples
simple
“The school has a very permissive attitude toward student dress.”
contextual
“The new software update includes a permissive license that allows users to modify the code for any purpose.”
complex
“While the regulatory environment was initially restrictive, the recent shift toward a more permissive framework has spurred a wave of innovation across the sector.”
Etymology
From French permissif.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/permissive