# clement

/ˈkɫɛmənt/ (US) · /klˈɛmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clement
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. mild weather

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

pleasant and mild weather that is not too cold or stormy.

For teachers: 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.

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.

### 2. merciful person

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

kind and forgiving, especially when you have the power to punish someone.

For teachers: 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.

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.

## Examples

- The judge was clement with the young thief.
- The clement weather allowed the farmers to harvest their crops early.
- History often remembers the clement ruler who spared his enemies, viewing mercy as a sign of strength rather than weakness.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.