The difference between Lenient and Permissive

When used as adjectives, lenient means lax, whereas permissive means giving permission, or predisposed to give it.


Lenient is also noun with the meaning: a lenitive.

check bellow for the other definitions of Lenient and Permissive

  1. Lenient as an adjective:

    Lax; not strict; tolerant of dissent or deviation

    Examples:

    "The standard is fairly lenient, so use your discretion."

  1. Lenient as a noun (medicine):

    A lenitive; an emollient.

  1. Permissive as an adjective:

    Giving permission, or predisposed to give it; lenient

  2. Permissive as an adjective (of a footpath):

    open to the public by permission of the landowner

  3. Permissive as an adjective (biology):

    That allows the replication of viruses

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