leniency

The quality of mercy or forgiveness, especially in the assignment of punishment as in a court case.

Noun

  1. The quality of mercy or forgiveness, especially in the assignment of punishment as in a court case.
    • The convicted felon asked for leniency, but because the crime was so heinous the judge refused and gave the maximum sentence.
  2. An act of being lenient.

Origin

From lenience + -y, from Latin lēn(iō) (“to soften, soothe”), from lēnis (“soft”).

Forms

leniencies

Derived

leniency applicant leniency application Leniency Notice leniency policy Leniency Program overleniency