Word
lenient
Phoneticsle·nient
US/ˈɫiniənt/
UK/lˈiːnɪənt/
Definition
adj. not as strict as expected. You use this to describe a person in power, like a teacher or judge, who chooses not to punish someone severely.
adj. inclined to be merciful or indulgent; not strict in the application of discipline or punishment.
Examples
“The teacher was lenient and gave him another chance.”
“The judge was surprisingly lenient with the first-time offender, sentencing him to community service instead of jail time.”
“While the school handbook mandates suspension for such an infraction, the principal decided to be lenient due to the student's previously spotless disciplinary record and genuine remorse.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher was lenient and gave him another chance.”
contextual
“The judge was surprisingly lenient with the first-time offender, sentencing him to community service instead of jail time.”
complex
“While the school handbook mandates suspension for such an infraction, the principal decided to be lenient due to the student's previously spotless disciplinary record and genuine remorse.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“They were so strict with us but also so lenient with others.” “Some Palestinians and human rights groups had described Azaria’s sentence as far too lenient.” Etymology
From Middle French lénient, from Latin lēniēns, present participle of lēnīre (“to soften, soothe”), from lēnis (“soft”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/lenient