Antonyms for permissive


Grammar : Adj
Spell : per-mis-iv
Phonetic Transcription : pərˈmɪs ɪv


Definition of permissive

Origin :
  • c.1600, "allowing to pass through," from Old French permissif, from Latin permiss-, past participle stem of permittere "to let go, let pass, let loose" (see permit (v.)). In sense of "tolerant, liberal" it is first recorded 1956; by 1966 it had definite overtones of sexual freedom. Earlier it meant "permitted, allowed" (early 15c.). Related: Permissively; permissiveness.
  • adj lenient
Example sentences :
  • Therefore the poet is not any permissive potentate, but is emperor in his own right.
  • Extract from : « Essays, Second Series » by Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • She smiled at last, with permissive recognition, and Gates came forward.
  • Extract from : « Annie Kilburn » by William Dean Howells
  • Instead of being compulsory the Act, should an Act be passed, was to be permissive.
  • Extract from : « The History of the Post Office » by Herbert Joyce
  • Therefore the consequent will of God, which has sin for its object, is only permissive.
  • Extract from : « Theodicy » by G. W. Leibniz
  • There is precisely the case wherein the will of a wise mind is only permissive.
  • Extract from : « Theodicy » by G. W. Leibniz
  • We have also releasing or permissive function; and we have transmissive function.
  • Extract from : « The Making of Arguments » by J. H. Gardiner
  • Do not be too sure about it when it is placable and permissive.
  • Extract from : « Expositions of Holy Scripture: Romans Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V) » by Alexander Maclaren
  • But as these laws were permissive and not prohibitory, the evil was not restrained.
  • Extract from : « Grappling with the Monster » by T. S. Arthur
  • In restricting some of the permissive clauses of the Law, on the other hand, he acted precisely in the same spirit.
  • Extract from : « Supernatural Religion, Vol. III. (of III) » by Walter Richard Cassels
  • Permissive powers exist for County Councils to enforce compulsory attendance.
  • Extract from : « The Framework of Home Rule » by Erskine Childers

Synonyms for permissive

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019