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adj Uncommon

permissible

puh-MIH-sihbl

Permissible (adj) means Allowed by rules, law, or custom. Example: “A small amount of overtime is permissible under the contract.”

adj
1
Allowed by rules, law, or custom.
"A small amount of overtime is permissible under the contract."

How to use permissible

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAllowed — within what the rules or law permit.

Common mistake

Permissible means "allowed"; permissive describes a person or approach that allows a lot of freedom (e.g. "permissive parenting").

Easily confused with
Common pairings
permissible limit legally permissible

Word forms

more permissible comparative, permissibles plural, most permissible superlative

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A small amount of overtime is _____ under the contract.

Etymology

From Old French permissible, ultimately from Latin permittere ("to allow").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for permissible

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Frequently asked questions

What does “permissible” mean?

The word “permissible” means allowed by rules, law, or custom. In plain terms, allowed — within what the rules or law permit.

How do you pronounce “permissible”?

“Permissible” is pronounced puh-MIH-sihbl (/pɚˈmɪsɪbl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “permissible” in a sentence?

Here is “permissible” used in a sentence: “A small amount of overtime is permissible under the contract.”

What is another word for “permissible”?

Words with a similar meaning to “permissible” include abideable, acceptable, admissible, allowable, sufferable and supportable.

What is the opposite of “permissible”?

The opposite of “permissible” — its antonyms — are impermissible, inacceptable, insufferable, insupportable and intolerable.

What part of speech is “permissible”?

“Permissible” is an adjective.

Where does the word “permissible” come from?

The word “permissible” comes from Latin. From Old French permissible, ultimately from Latin permittere ("to allow").

Is “permissible” a common word?

“Permissible” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial