Recorded in English in the 1650s from Latin lenire, meaning to soften, soothe, or relieve, through its present participle leniens. The modern sense of mild or merciful treatment developed later.
Recorded in English in the 1650s from Latin lenire, meaning to soften, soothe, or relieve, through its present participle leniens. The modern sense of mild or merciful treatment developed later.
What does lenient mean?
Lenient usually means less strict or severe than expected when judging, punishing, or enforcing a rule.
Is lenient positive or negative?
It can be positive when it shows mercy, but negative when a rule or punishment seems too weak.
Which preposition follows lenient?
Both lenient with someone and lenient on someone are common. A rule, policy, or sentence can simply be lenient.
What is the opposite of lenient?
Common opposites are strict, severe, harsh, and stern.
How do you pronounce lenient?
In General American English, lenient is pronounced /ˈliniənt/.
Can lenient mean soothing?
Yes, but that medical sense is archaic and now appears mainly in historical writing.