adj.
Pronunciation: p ə r- ' mi-siv
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English permyssyf, from Middle French permissif, from Latin permissus
Date: 15th century
1 archaic : granted on sufferance : TOLERATED
2 a : granting or tending to grant permission : TOLERANT b : deficient in firmness or control : INDULGENT , LAX
3 : allowing discretion : OPTIONAL <reduced the permissive retirement age from 65 to 62>
– per · mis · sive · ly adverb
– per · mis · sive · ness noun