noun
clemency
KLEM-un-see/ˈklemənsi/
Mercy toward someone facing punishment.
The governor grants clemency after reviewing the prisoner's circumstances.
Etymology
Latin clementia meant calmness or gentleness. Applied to the exercise of authority, that gentleness becomes mercy: reducing or forgiving punishment rather than imposing its full severity.
In context
Clemency is a fine, royal virtue, which turns aside the currents of wrath.
More examples
- The family appealed for clemency.
- The judge considered the request for clemency.
- His record of service supported the plea for clemency.
Forms
clemency
Similar words
- pardon
- A particular form of forgiveness, while clemency includes other reductions in punishment.