leniency
noun/ˈliːni.ən(t)si/ · especially /ˈliːnjən(t)si/
Etymology From lenience + -y, from Latin lēn(iō) (“to soften, soothe”), from lēnis (“soft”).
1
The quality of mercy or forgiveness, especially in the assignment of punishment as in a court case.
- The convicted felon asked for leniency, but because the crime was so heinous the judge refused and gave the maximum sentence.
2
An act of being lenient.
- Derived terms
- leniency applicant, leniency application, Leniency Notice, leniency policy, Leniency Program, overleniency