Clemency
Noun
- Disposition to be merciful and especially to moderate the severity of punishment due.
- An act or instance of leniency.
- Pleasant mildness of weather.
Example Sentences
“The governor has granted clemency to several people this month.”
“Our professor showed rare clemency by dropping everyone’s lowest quiz grade after the midterm averages crashed.”
“The forecast called for freezing rain, but we were surprised by clemency over the weekend.”
Word Origin
Latin, 15th century
Why this word?
You’ve likely heard this word in a legal context: A judge might grant clemency to a first-time offender and give them a fine or probation instead of jail time. This is the most common usage of the word — an inclination to be merciful, or an act of leniency. It comes from the Latin “clemens,” meaning “mildness, gentleness.” Another, less common usage of the word applies to the weather. Mild, pleasant weather can be referred to as clemency.
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