English Explanatory Dictionary

lenient

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Lax; not strict; tolerant of dissent or deviation.
noun
  1. A lenitive; an emollient.

Pronunciation

/ˈliːni.ənt/ en-us-lenient.ogg

Word forms

lenient more lenient most lenient lenients

Etymology

From Middle French lénient, from Latin lēniēns, present participle of lēnīre (“to soften, soothe”), from lēnis (“soft”).

Synonyms

clement permissive forgiving relaxed lenient merciable mercied merciful pitiful relentful ruthful safe avuncular broad-minded catholic forbearing indulgent latitudinarian laissez faire liberal open-handed open-minded permissible sufferable tolerant easygoing lax loose-handed remissful soft soft-handed

Antonyms

despotic draconian heavy-handed severe stern strict stringent tough unlenient

Related words

lenience leniency lenity adespotic apathetic carefree careless loose patient weak

Derived words

leniently overlenient superlenient ultralenient unlenient
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