Word
clement
US/ˈkɫɛmənt/
UK/klˈɛmənt/
Definitions
01mild weather
adj. pleasant and mild weather that is not too cold or stormy.
adj. describing weather conditions that are mild, temperate, and pleasant.
“We were lucky to have clement weather for our outdoor wedding in October.”
“The expedition was delayed for weeks until more clement conditions allowed the team to safely navigate the mountain pass.”
Formal
Usage
Often used in the negative form 'inclement' to describe bad weather.
Teaching tip
In modern English, this is most frequently encountered in weather reports or formal travel writing.
02merciful person
adj. kind and forgiving, especially when you have the power to punish someone.
adj. inclined to be lenient or merciful; showing charity or forgiveness in judgment.
“The judge was clement toward the young man because it was his first mistake.”
“The king was known for his clement nature, often granting pardons to those who showed genuine remorse for their actions.”
Formal · Literary
Usage
Usually describes a person in a position of authority, such as a judge or ruler.
Teaching tip
This sense is quite rare in everyday conversation and is primarily found in historical literature or formal legal contexts.
Real-World Examples
“Tanya Aldred has all the best of day four’s county action, barring rain delays as the blazing heat of summer gives way to more clement weather, and an uneven forecast for Sunday.” Etymology
From Late Latin Clēmens (genitive Clēmentis), name of early saints and popes, from clēmens (“merciful”). Doublet of Clemens and San Clemente.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/clement