noun

leniency

leniency, mercy, clemency

The judge showed leniency to the first-time offender.

The judge showed leniency to the first-time offender.

There is no room for leniency in cases of corruption.

There is no room for leniency in cases of corruption.

leniency ((towards sb.)) kindness or mercy towards someone The court showed leniency towards the young defendant.

Synonyms: mercy, clemency, indulgence; Antonyms: strictness, severity

From Latin 'lenis' meaning 'soft, mild'. The suffix '-ency' denotes a quality or state.

Imagine 'leaning' towards being easy on someone. Leniency is leaning towards mercy rather than harshness.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.