English Reference
Adjective

permissive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /pɝˈmɪsɪv/ UK /pəmˈɪsɪv/ per·mis·sive Biology Grammar

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.


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.


From French permissif.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French permissif
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated