leniency

American  

[lee-nee-uhn-see, leen-yuhn-] / ˈli ni ən si, ˈlin yən- /

Also lenience

noun

plural

leniencies

1. the quality or state of being lenient.

2. a lenient act.

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Usage

What does leniency mean? Leniency is the quality of being lenient—permissive or merciful, as opposed to strict or harsh.When you’re lenient with someone, you go easy on them. The word sometimes implies that maybe you’re going too easy, and should be more strict. On the other hand, if someone thinks a person is being too strict, such as when disciplining a child, they may tell them to be more lenient.A person, an action, or a policy can show or have the quality of leniency. The word is especially used in the context of punishments, especially official ones like prison sentences. In this case, it’s often used to imply that such a punishment is not severe enough in the opinion of the speaker.A less common variant of leniency is lenience.Example: In my opinion, they’ve shown far too much leniency with his punishment—I think he’s getting off too easy.

Etymology

Origin of leniency

First recorded in 1770–80; leni(ent) + -ency

Example Sentences

Authorities are now frequently issuing public warnings against sharing images and videos of “incident sites or damage” caused by Iranian attacks, saying violators will be treated “without leniency.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The judge said that although this was a crime that deserved a harsh penalty, they were exercising leniency considering the lack of society's support for mothers in situations like this.

From BBC

Charter and vowing “no leniency” in defense of its territory.

From Salon

“I think that we have gone a little bit too far in allowing leniency and trying to be compassionate,” he said, “and sometimes maybe forgetting what it was that victims went through.”

From Los Angeles Times

He no doubt is hoping for leniency in sentencing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• compassion
• mercy
• tolerance