adjective

lenient

lenient, merciful, indulgent

The teacher was lenient with the students.

The teacher was lenient with the students.

He received a lenient sentence from the judge.

He received a lenient sentence from the judge.

lenient ((with/towards sb.)) being merciful with someone The parents were too lenient with their child.

a lenient ((punishment/sentence)) a mild punishment or sentence She received a lenient punishment for the crime.

Synonyms: merciful, indulgent, forgiving; Antonyms: strict, severe, harsh

From Latin 'lenis' meaning 'soft, mild'.

Sounds like 'lean'. A lenient person 'leans' towards being kind rather than strict.

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