adj
Uncommon
lenient
LEE-nee-uhnt
Lenient (adj) means not strict; willing to allow mistakes or wrongdoing without harsh punishment. Example: “The teacher was lenient about late homework during exam week.”
adj
1
Not strict; willing to allow mistakes or wrongdoing without harsh punishment.
"The teacher was lenient about late homework during exam week."
"Critics say the sentence was far too lenient for such a serious crime."
How to use lenient
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEasy-going about rules or punishment rather than strict.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a lenient sentence
lenient parents
lenient policy
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Word forms
- Plural
- lenients
- Comparative
- more lenient
- Superlative
- most lenient
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The teacher was _____ about late homework during exam week.
Etymology
From Latin lēnīre, "to soften or soothe," from lēnis, "soft, mild."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for lenient
client
orient
ancient
patient
salient
ambient
quotient
obedient
nutrient
gradient
sentient
ebullient
See all rhymes for lenient →
Frequently asked questions
What does “lenient” mean?
The word “lenient” means not strict; willing to allow mistakes or wrongdoing without harsh punishment. In plain terms, easy-going about rules or punishment rather than strict.
How do you pronounce “lenient”?
“Lenient” is pronounced LEE-nee-uhnt (/ˈliːni.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “lenient” in a sentence?
Here is “lenient” used in a sentence: “The teacher was lenient about late homework during exam week.”
What is the opposite of “lenient”?
The opposite of “lenient” — its antonyms — are despotic, draconian, heavy-handed, severe and stern.
What part of speech is “lenient”?
“Lenient” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lenient” come from?
The word “lenient” comes from Latin. From Latin lēnīre, "to soften or soothe," from lēnis, "soft, mild.".
Is “lenient” a common word?
“Lenient” is an uncommon word in modern English.
