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

Explanation

Leniency is a noun that refers to the lessening of a punishment or chore. Your father's leniency, for example, resulted in you not having to paint the entire house like your mother wanted. Instead you just had to paint the garage. Leniency also refers to a person's sense of mercy or tolerance. A governor's leniency could be demonstrated when he pardons the prisoners on death row. Leniency comes from the adjective lenient, which describes someone who is tolerant or permissive. There are times when too much leniency can backfire, however. If your teacher shows leniency to the loud students who won't sit still and refuses to punish them, the rest of your class won't learn much.

Example Sentences

Leniency was shown to the Shang, with a son of the dynasty left to rule his own city and preside over rituals to honor his ancestors.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

Janette Grantham, executive director of the Victims of Crime and Leniency, an Alabama victim rights organization, said Arthur and his attorneys had no new evidence and were just stalling.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2017

Leniency, I suspect, is on the judge’s mind, and there are an untold number of other cases that, perhaps, suggest that a sentence of community service might indeed fit the crime.

From Washington Times • May 14, 2015

Leniency schemes are designed to be “trees that grow more and more branches” as edgy companies, fearful that rivals will squeal first, reveal hidden sins, says Ms Henry.

From Economist • Mar. 27, 2014

Leniency designated as Light and Whiteness, the Substance of Deity symbolized, 769-u.

From Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by Pike, Albert

Related Words

• compassion
• mercy
• tolerance