adjective
lenient
LEE-nee-unt/ˈliːniənt/
Mild or tolerant in punishment, discipline, or judgment.
The lenient referee gives a caution instead of dismissing the player.
Etymology
From a verb meaning “to soften or soothe,” lenient first described something relaxing or soothing. That softening sense extended to people and actions that are mild or merciful in judgment.
In context
District Court Judge Carl Webber decided to deviate from the sentencing agreement calling it too lenient because of the assault in the in the nature of it how it occurred the injuries to the to the victim
More examples
- The judge gives him a lenient sentence for his first offense.
- Her parents are lenient about bedtime on weekends.
- The reviewer is surprisingly lenient toward the movie's weak ending.
Forms
lenient · more lenient · most lenient
leniency noun — Tolerance in punishment, discipline, or judgment.
leniently adverb — In a mild or tolerant manner.
Similar words
- merciful
- Emphasizes compassion toward someone who could be punished harshly.
- permissive
- Emphasizes allowing behavior rather than enforcing strict rules.
- forgiving
- Emphasizes willingness to overlook faults or excuse mistakes.