permissiveness
C1Formal, academic, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The quality or state of allowing or tolerating freedom of behaviour, especially in social or sexual matters, that others might disapprove of or try to restrict.
A societal or parental attitude characterised by a lack of strictness, allowing considerable freedom from rules and discipline; more broadly, tolerance of diverse opinions or behaviours.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an abstract, uncountable noun. Often carries a negative or critical connotation, implying excessive or irresponsible tolerance. When used neutrally, it can denote a philosophical or political principle of non-interference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or spelling. Usage patterns are similar, though it may appear more frequently in American discourse on social and cultural history (e.g., referencing the 'permissive society' of the 1960s).
Connotations
In both dialects, often implies criticism of lax standards, especially in parenting, education, or social policy. The term 'permissive society' is a set phrase in socio-political commentary in both regions.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in everyday speech in both regions; more common in formal writing, sociology, psychology, and political commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[the/perceived/growing] permissiveness of [society/parents/the era]permissiveness towards/toward [behaviour/ideas]permissiveness in [education/parenting]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A permissive society”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used critically in management contexts: 'The permissiveness of the corporate culture led to a lack of accountability.'
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, education, and political science texts discussing social norms, parenting styles, and cultural shifts.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Might appear in discussions about parenting or social trends: 'Some blame juvenile crime on parental permissiveness.'
Technical
Used in psychological studies (e.g., 'authoritative vs. permissive parenting styles') and sociological analyses of norms.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council's decision essentially permits the development.
- Regulations should not permit such dangerous practices.
American English
- The new law permits the use of certain additives.
- Does your visa permit you to work here?
adverb
British English
- The rules were applied permissively, leading to inconsistency.
American English
- The law was interpreted permissively by the lower court.
adjective
British English
- The headteacher was criticised for his permissive attitude towards uniform.
- We live in a relatively permissive society.
American English
- She has a permissive parenting style.
- The software runs under a permissive open-source license.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some parents worry about being too permissive.
- There is less permissiveness in schools today than in the past.
- Critics blamed the rise in vandalism on societal permissiveness.
- The permissiveness of the 1960s challenged many traditional values.
- The study correlated parental permissiveness with lower academic achievement in early adolescence.
- His philosophical stance was one of radical permissiveness, opposing all forms of censorship.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PERMIT' (to allow) + 'iveness' (the state of). It's the state of permitting too much.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A PARENT (The state/society can be seen as overly permissive or strict with its 'children'/citizens).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as произвол (‘arbitrariness’) or позволение (‘permission’ for a specific act). The closest conceptual equivalent is often попустительство (laxity, indulgence) or либерализм (in a social context).
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: confusing '-iveness' with '-ivity' (e.g., *permissivity).
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., *a permissiveness).
- Confusing with 'permission' (a specific act of allowing).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'permissiveness' most likely to be used critically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is often used with a negative or critical connotation, implying excessive or irresponsible tolerance. However, in neutral academic discourse, it can simply describe a social attitude without judgement.
Yes, by analogy. In tech, a 'permissive license' (like MIT or Apache) imposes minimal restrictions on reuse, contrasting with more restrictive 'copyleft' licenses. The adjective 'permissive' is more common here than the noun 'permissiveness'.
'Tolerance' is generally positive or neutral, respecting differing views or practices. 'Permissiveness' often implies a passive or active allowance of behaviour that may be harmful or norm-breaking, and frequently carries a judgement of being too lenient.
It is exclusively a noun (an abstract, uncountable noun). The related adjective is 'permissive', the verb is 'permit', and the adverb is 'permissively'.
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