different between permissive vs benign

English

Etymology

From French permissif

Adjective

permissive (comparative more permissive, superlative most permissive)

1. Giving permission, or predisposed to give it; lenient
2. (of a footpath) open to the public by permission of the landowner
3. (biology) That allows the replication of viruses

   Antonym: nonpermissive

Related terms

• nonpermissive
• semipermissive
• permissive waste
• permissiveness
• permissively

Translations

Anagrams

• impressive

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /p??.mi.siv/
• Rhymes: -iv
• Homophone: permissives

Adjective

permissive

1. feminine singular of permissif

German

Pronunciation

Adjective

permissive

1. inflection of permissiv:
   1. strong/mixed nominative/accusative feminine singular
   2. strong nominative/accusative plural
   3. weak nominative all-gender singular
   4. weak accusative feminine/neuter singular

Italian

Adjective

permissive

1. feminine plural of permissivo

English

Etymology

From Middle English benigne, benygne, from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus (“kind, good”), from bene (“well”) + genus (“origin, kind”). Compare malign.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /b??na?n/

Adjective

benign (comparative benigner or more benign, superlative benignest or most benign)

1. Kind; gentle; mild.
   • 1826, Mary Shelley, The Last Man, part 1, chapter 9

     But though we both entertained these ideas, we differed in their application. Resentment added also a sting to my censure; and I reprobated Raymond's conduct in severe terms. Adrian was more benign, more considerate.

2. (of a climate or environment) mild and favorable
3. (in combination) Not harmful to the environment.

4. (medicine) Not posing any serious threat to health; not particularly aggressive or recurrent.

Synonyms

• (medicine): non-malignant

Antonyms

• malign
• malignant

Derived terms

• benignly
• benignant
• benignity
• benign neglect

Translations