adj
permissive
Permissive (adj) means willing to allow things, or not strict about rules.
adj
1
Willing to allow things, or not strict about rules.
2
(of land) Open for the public to use because the owner allows it, not by legal right.
"Many permissive paths work well and have done for a significant amount of time, enhancing or connecting our network of public footpaths, byways and bridleways, however unevenly distributed."
— Leonie Helm, I’ve always loved a ‘permissive path’ – it’s always seemed like the nicest of invitations (2026)
3
(biology) Able to let a virus multiply inside it.
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Etymology
Borrowed from French permissif.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
preventive
unpermissive
Related words
Rhymes for permissive
See all rhymes for permissive →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of permissive?
"permissive" (adj) means willing to allow things, or not strict about rules.
What is another word for permissive?
Other words for "permissive" include relaxed, tolerant, lax, soft, liberal, indulgent.
What is the opposite of permissive?
Opposites of "permissive" include preventive, unpermissive.
What are the different meanings of permissive?
"permissive" has 3 main meanings: 1. Willing to allow things, or not strict about rules; 2. (of land) Open for the public to use because the owner allows it, not by legal right; 3. (biology) Able to let a virus multiply inside it.
