Understanding ‘Permissible’: A Key Word for SAT Vocabulary
Learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the word ‘permissible’ for your SAT vocabulary. This video covers its definition, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage errors to help you ace your exam and improve your language skills.
Imagine you’re about to take your driver’s test. You ask the instructor what actions are allowed during the exam.
In essence, you’re asking what is permissible. Understanding this word is not just crucial for your driver’s test, but also for acing your SAT vocabulary section.
Word type: Permissible is an adjective.
Meaning: Permissible means allowed or acceptable according to rules, laws, or social norms.
It describes actions or behaviors that are officially sanctioned or at least not prohibited.
Word history:
The word permissible comes from the Latin word permissus, which is the past participle of permittere, meaning to let go or allow.
This Latin root is also the source of the word permit.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for permissible include allowable, acceptable, admissible, and lawful.
Antonyms: Antonyms or opposite words for permissible are forbidden, prohibited, illegal, and impermissible.
Examples use in sentences: In most libraries, quiet conversation is permissible, but loud talking is not.
The referee must decide which types of contact are permissible during the game. Under the new regulations, it is now permissible to use electronic devices during certain parts of the flight.
Common errors in use: One common error is confusing permissible with permissive. While permissible means allowed or acceptable, permissive describes someone who allows or tolerates things that others might forbid.
For example, Some parents are more permissive than others when it comes to bedtime rules. Another mistake is using permissible when discussing informal allowances.
For instance, instead of saying It’s permissible to wear casual clothes to the office on Fridays, it would be more natural to say It’s allowed or acceptable to wear casual clothes to the office on Fridays.
Understanding the word permissible and using it correctly can significantly enhance your vocabulary and writing skills.
Remember, on the SAT, being able to distinguish between what’s permissible and what’s not in terms of word usage and context is key to scoring well.
Keep this word in your arsenal, and you’ll be one step closer to acing that vocabulary section.

