noun
leniency
LEE-nee-uhn-see
Leniency (noun) means Mercy or a light touch when it comes to punishing someone. Example: “The judge showed leniency because it was the defendant's first offence.”
noun
1
Mercy or a light touch when it comes to punishing someone.
"The judge showed leniency because it was the defendant's first offence."
"His employer's leniency meant he kept his job despite the mistake."
How to use leniency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGoing easy on someone rather than punishing them fully.
Common pairings
show leniency
plead for leniency
judicial leniency
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Word forms
- Plural
- leniencies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge showed _____ because it was the defendant's first offence.
Etymology
From Latin lenis, "soft, gentle" — the same root behind "lenient."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for leniency
agency
latency
urgency
potency
decency
regency
currency
tendency
clemency
frequency
emergency
residency
See all rhymes for leniency →
Frequently asked questions
What does “leniency” mean?
The word “leniency” means mercy or a light touch when it comes to punishing someone. In plain terms, going easy on someone rather than punishing them fully.
How do you pronounce “leniency”?
“Leniency” is pronounced LEE-nee-uhn-see (/ˈliːni.ən(t)si/ in IPA).
How do you use “leniency” in a sentence?
Here is “leniency” used in a sentence: “The judge showed leniency because it was the defendant's first offence.”
What part of speech is “leniency”?
“Leniency” is a noun.
Where does the word “leniency” come from?
The word “leniency” comes from Latin. From Latin lenis, "soft, gentle" — the same root behind "lenient.".
