noun

leniency

mercy, tolerance, forbearance

The judge showed leniency to the young offender.

The judge showed leniency to the young offender.

They pleaded for leniency.

They pleaded for leniency.

to show leniency ((to/towards sb.)) The judge showed leniency to the young offender.

Synonyms: mercy, clemency, forbearance; Antonyms: severity, strictness, harshness

From Latin 'lenis' (soft, gentle, mild) plus the noun-forming suffix '-ency' indicating a quality or state.

Think of a 'lenient' parent or teacher who is not strict. 'Leniency' is the quality they show.

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