Leniency

/ˈleniənsi/ noun

Definition

Being kind and merciful; not applying rules strictly or harshly.

Etymology

From Latin 'lenient-' (mild, soft), derived from 'lenire' (to soften). The English suffix '-cy' forms nouns from adjectives, creating an abstract quality.

Kelly Says

Judges must balance leniency with justice—studies show that judges who haven't eaten lunch give harsher sentences, suggesting that even compassion (leniency) is affected by something as simple as hunger and mood!

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