leniency

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From lenient +‎ -ency.[1]

Pronunciation

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Noun

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leniency (countable and uncountable, plural leniencies)

  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

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Translations

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References

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  1. ^ leniency, n.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.