What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
permissive
Example
The permissive parent allowed their child to stay up late and eat junk food. [permissive: adjective]
Example
The company had a permissive policy on dress code, allowing employees to wear casual clothes. [permissive: adjective]
tolerant
Example
She was very tolerant of her friend's religious beliefs, even though they were different from her own. [tolerant: adjective]
Example
The teacher was tolerant of the student's differing political views and encouraged open discussion in the classroom. [tolerant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tolerant is more commonly used than permissive in everyday language. Tolerant is a versatile word that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while permissive is more specific and tends to be used in the context of parenting or rules.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between permissive and tolerant?
Both permissive and tolerant can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, tolerant is generally seen as a more formal and appropriate word in academic or professional settings, while permissive may be more appropriate in casual or personal contexts.
