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Adjective: permissive  pu(r)'mi-siv
  1. Granting, inclined or able to grant permission; not strict in discipline
    "direct primary legislation is largely permissive rather than prescriptive"; "permissive parents"
     
  2. Allowing actions unless specifically forbidden
    "The permissive parenting style allowed children more freedom"
     
  3. (of a path or access) allowed by the landowner's permission rather than existing as a public right
    "Permissive footpaths can be closed at the owner's discretion"

See also: bailable, indulgent, lenient, permissiveness, soft, tolerance

Antonym: preventative, unpermissive

Encyclopedia: Permissive