What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lenient
Example
The teacher was lenient with the students who didn't complete their homework due to technical issues. [lenient: adjective]
Example
The judge gave a lenient sentence to the first-time offender. [lenient: adjective]
Example
The company has a lenient dress code policy that allows employees to wear casual clothes. [lenient: adjective]
permissive
Example
The permissive mother allowed her teenage daughter to attend a party with alcohol. [permissive: adjective]
Example
The permissive school policy allowed students to use their phones during class. [permissive: adjective]
Example
The permissive society had no restrictions on same-sex marriage. [permissive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lenient is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal or academic settings, while permissive is more informal and colloquial, often used in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lenient and permissive?
Lenient is generally considered more formal than permissive, which is often used in casual or conversational contexts.
