Definition

The quality of being more forgiving or tolerant than expected, especially in judging or punishing someone.

Example

The teacher showed lenience by giving the student a second chance to complete the assignment.

Conversation

I think the teacher showed a lot of lenience on that last test.

Yeah, I was surprised by how many extra points we got.

It really helped me pass, so I'm grateful for her lenience.

Same here! I hope she continues being so understanding.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lenience → It is formed from 'lenis' (from Latin, meaning gentle or mild) and the suffix '-ence' (indicating a state or quality). The word 'lenience' refers to the quality of being gentle or mild in judgment or treatment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'gentle' ('lenis') to remember that 'lenience' means the quality of being gentle or mild.

Visually Confused Words