Permissable vs. Permissible – Which is Correct?
When choosing between “permissable” and “permissible,” use “permissible.” It is the standard English adjective meaning allowed, acceptable, or authorized. “Permissable” is a common misspelling caused by confusion about the suffix and pronunciation. In formal writing, replace “permissable” with “permissible” to maintain accuracy and credibility in professional and academic writing.
A similar spelling distinction appears in Acceptable vs. Acceptible, where one vowel changes the standard form.
Permissable or Permissible – Which is Correct?
Permissible is the correct spelling. It means allowed, authorized, or acceptable under a rule, law, policy, or standard.
Permissable is a misspelling, not a recognized standard spelling in English. The error commonly occurs because speakers connect the word with permit or permissive and incorrectly choose the suffix -able. The correct form is permissible, spelled with -ible.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the “permission” connection: permission and permissible both contain miss followed by ible. If something is permissible, it has received permission. Remember the phrase: “Permission makes it permissible.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| permissible | Adjective | Allowed, acceptable, or authorized | Outside food is not permissible in the laboratory. |
| permissable | Misspelling | Incorrect spelling of permissible | Replace “permissable” with “permissible.” |
How to Use Permissible
Permissible describes an action, behavior, amount, method, or condition that is allowed. It often appears in formal, legal, academic, technical, and workplace writing, although it is also suitable in everyday English. Common patterns include “permissible under the law,” “permissible according to the rules,” and “permissible for students.”
The word usually refers to what is allowed by an external standard rather than what someone personally prefers. For example, a behavior may be permissible under company policy even if a manager does not particularly like it.
Example 1: The revised policy explains which expenses are permissible.
Example 2: Only a permissible level of background noise is allowed during the examination.
Example 3: The court must determine whether the search was permissible under the Constitution.
What are the different forms of Permissible?
Permissible is an adjective. Its comparative form is usually more permissible, and its superlative form is most permissible. These forms are used when comparing levels of acceptability or authorization.
- Positive: The proposed action is permissible.
- Comparative: This approach is more permissible under the updated rules.
- Superlative: The committee selected the most permissible option.
The related noun is permissibility, meaning the quality or status of being allowed. The related adjective permissive means allowing considerable freedom or flexibility, but it does not mean exactly the same thing as permissible.
Etymology of the word Permissible
Permissible comes from the Latin verb permittere, meaning “to let through,” “allow,” or “give permission.” It developed through Anglo-French and Middle English forms related to permission and entered English as a term meaning capable of being permitted or allowed. Its spelling with -ible reflects this historical connection.
Related Concepts
Understanding related word families and adjective suffixes makes it easier to recognize why permissible is spelled with -ible rather than -able.
- Permission: This noun means consent or authorization to do something. The shared root helps you remember that the adjective is permissible.
- Adjectives ending in -ible: Many adjectives, including visible, audible, and credible, use the -ible ending because of their historical Latin or French origins.
- Permissive: This adjective describes someone or something that allows considerable freedom. It is related to permissible, but it describes an attitude, system, or environment rather than simply identifying what is allowed.
- Formal vocabulary: Permissible is especially common in legal, regulatory, academic, and professional contexts where rules and limits must be stated precisely.
Examples from Media and Literature
The correct spelling permissible appears naturally in discussions of laws, rules, ethics, and social boundaries across different types of writing.
- News reporting: A report about a court decision might explain whether a particular government action was “permissible under existing law.”
- Legal writing: A legal analysis may distinguish between permissible evidence and evidence that a court must exclude.
- Science and medicine: A research article may refer to the “permissible exposure limit” for a chemical or workplace hazard.
- Historical fiction: A novel set in a strict society might describe which forms of conduct were permissible for members of different social classes.
- Film and television dialogue: A character discussing rules may ask whether a certain action is permissible under an organization’s code.
Permissible Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| allowed | Accepted or not prohibited by a rule or authority |
| permitted | Officially or informally allowed |
| authorized | Approved by someone with the relevant power or responsibility |
| acceptable | Considered satisfactory or suitable |
| legitimate | Valid, lawful, or justified according to a relevant standard |
| lawful | Permitted by law |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “permissable” a word?
No. “Permissable” is generally treated as a misspelling. The standard English spelling is “permissible.”
Question 2: What does “permissible” mean?
“Permissible” means allowed, acceptable, or authorized by a rule, law, policy, authority, or recognized standard.
Question 3: Why is “permissible” spelled with -ible?
The spelling reflects the word’s historical development from Latin and French forms related to permission and permit. The correct ending is -ible, not -able.
Question 4: Is “permissible” formal or casual?
“Permissible” is grammatically suitable in both contexts, but it is more common in formal, legal, academic, technical, and professional writing. In casual conversation, people may more often say “allowed.”
Conclusion
Permissible is the correct spelling and means allowed or acceptable. Permissable is a common spelling mistake caused by confusion about the word’s suffix. Remember the connection between permission and permissible. Pro Tip: Using the correct spelling in applications, reports, contracts, and emails helps protect your professional reputation.
