Added 9 October 2026
leniency
/ˈliːni.ən(t)si/ noun
In Latin: clēmentia Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about leniency at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Mercifulness as a consequence of being lenient or tolerant.
-
A disposition to yield to the wishes of someone.
too much indulgence spoils a child
- Lightening a penalty or excusing from a chore by judges or parents or teachers.
Origin
From lenience + -y, from Latin lēn(iō) (“to soften, soothe”), from lēnis (“soft”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)