lenient
pronunciation
How to pronounce lenient in British English:
UK [ˈliːniənt]
How to pronounce lenient in American English:
US [ˈliːniənt]
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- Adjective:
- tolerant or lenient
- not strict
- characterized by tolerance and mercy
Word Origin
- lenient (adj.)
- 1650s, "relaxing, soothing," from Middle French lenient, from Latin lenientem (nominative leniens), present participle of lenire "to soften, alleviate, mitigate, allay, calm," from lenis "mild, gentle, calm," probably from PIE root *le- "to leave, yield, let go, slacken" (cognates: Lithuanian lenas "quiet, tranquil, tame, slow," Old Church Slavonic lena "lazy," Latin lassus "faint, weary," Old English læt "sluggish, slow," lætan "to leave behind"). Sense of "mild, merciful" (of persons) first recorded 1787. In earlier use was lenitive, attested from early 15c. of medicines, 1610s of persons.
Example
- 1. Most japanese women are very lenient towards men 's infidelity .
- 2. This is too lenient to be an effective deterrent .
- 3. If some bonds offer stronger creditor protection against default , should they receive more lenient treatment ?
- 4. Chief justice rehnquist declined " to apply more lenient review based on the particular setting in which race is being used . "
- 5. Defence attorneys for the former students had argued for a lenient fine of 5000 rand , saying the four had expressed remorse and had been punished both by university authorities and international critics