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Clemency: meaning, definitions and examples

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clemency

 

[ ˈklemənsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal term

Clemency is the act of showing mercy or leniency towards someone who has committed a crime. It is often granted by a government or a ruling authority.

Synonyms

leniency, mercy, pardon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clemency

Typically used in legal or formal settings to refer to the act of showing mercy, particularly from those in authority, like a judge or a president.

  • The governor granted clemency to the prisoner, reducing his sentence from life imprisonment to 20 years
mercy

Used in a wide range of situations, often emotional or compassionate, where someone shows kindness and forgiveness rather than harshness.

  • The soldier showed mercy by freeing the captured enemy instead of harming him
leniency

Often applied in situations where someone is being less strict or severe than expected, usually in disciplinary or legal contexts.

  • The teacher showed leniency when she allowed the student to submit his assignment a day late without penalty
pardon

Primarily used in official or legal contexts to describe the act of forgiving or excusing someone’s offense or crime, often formally by a head of state or other authority figure.

  • The president issued a pardon for the whistleblower, allowing him to return to his family without fear of prosecution

Examples of usage

  • The president granted clemency to the prisoners on death row.
  • The judge decided to show clemency towards the first-time offender.
Context #2 | Noun

general usage

Clemency can also refer to a disposition to show mercy or kindness.

Synonyms

forgiveness, kindness, mercy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clemency

This word is often used in formal or legal settings when referring to a reduction of severity or punishment by someone in authority, like a judge or a president.

  • The governor granted clemency to the prisoner, reducing his life sentence to 20 years
  • The lawyer argued for clemency on behalf of her client
mercy

Often used in situations where someone is spared from harm or punishment, showing compassion and leniency. Can have a religious connotation.

  • The soldier showed mercy to his enemy by letting him go
  • The criminal begged for mercy before the judge passed the sentence
kindness

Refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is often used in everyday life to describe good and benevolent actions.

  • Her kindness towards the homeless was truly inspiring
  • The stranger’s kindness restored his faith in humanity
forgiveness

Used when talking about the act of forgiving someone for their mistakes or wrongdoings. This is more personal and emotional compared to 'clemency'.

  • She asked for forgiveness after realizing her mistake
  • His forgiveness allowed them to rebuild their friendship

Examples of usage

  • She showed clemency towards her friend who made a mistake.
  • The teacher's clemency towards the students helped them learn from their errors.

Translations

Translations of the word "clemency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 clemência

🇮🇳 क्षमा

🇩🇪 Gnade

🇮🇩 pengampunan

🇺🇦 помилування

🇵🇱 łaska

🇯🇵 恩赦 (おんしゃ)

🇫🇷 clémence

🇪🇸 clemencia

🇹🇷 merhamet

🇰🇷 자비

🇸🇦 رحمة

🇨🇿 milost

🇸🇰 milosť

🇨🇳 宽恕 (kuānshù)

🇸🇮 milost

🇮🇸 náð

🇰🇿 мейірімділік

🇬🇪 შეწყალება

🇦🇿 mərhəmət

🇲🇽 clemencia

Etymology

The word 'clemency' originated from the Latin word 'clementia', meaning mercy or mildness. It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to the act of showing mercy or leniency. Clemency plays a significant role in legal systems around the world, allowing for the possibility of forgiveness and rehabilitation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,147, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.