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Leniency: meaning, definitions and examples

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leniency

 

[ ˈliːniənsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in law

The fact or quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected; clemency.

Synonyms

clemency, forgiveness, mercy

Examples of usage

  • The judge showed leniency towards the first-time offender.
  • She pleaded for leniency in sentencing.
Context #2 | Noun

in behavior

The quality of being more gentle or mild than expected; softness.

Synonyms

gentleness, mildness, tenderness

Examples of usage

  • His leniency in dealing with the children made him a favorite among the students.
  • The teacher's leniency in grading the assignments was appreciated by the students.

Translations

Translations of the word "leniency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 leniência

🇮🇳 सहनशीलता

🇩🇪 Nachsicht

🇮🇩 kelonggaran

🇺🇦 поблажливість

🇵🇱 pobłażliwość

🇯🇵 寛大さ

🇫🇷 clémence

🇪🇸 clemencia

🇹🇷 hoşgörü

🇰🇷 관대함

🇸🇦 تساهل

🇨🇿 shovívavost

🇸🇰 zhovievavosť

🇨🇳 宽容

🇸🇮 popustljivost

🇮🇸 umburðarlyndi

🇰🇿 жұмсақтық

🇬🇪 მოწყალება

🇦🇿 yumusaxlıq

🇲🇽 clemencia

Word origin

The word 'leniency' has its roots in the Latin word 'lenientia', meaning 'softness' or 'gentleness'. Over time, it evolved to represent the quality of being merciful, tolerant, or gentle in various contexts such as law and behavior.

See also: lenient, leniently.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,584, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.