clemency
Mercy or leniency shown toward someone in one's power
Examples
In a meeting
“The board showed clemency by reducing the penalty rather than terminating the contract.”
Over coffee
“I'm hoping the professor shows clemency on late submissions since half the class is sick.”
Why this word
mercy
clemency is specifically the formal act of leniency toward offenders (especially in legal contexts), while mercy is general compassion toward suffering
leniency
clemency refers to official pardoning or reduction of punishment, while leniency is more broadly being less strict in any situation
forgiveness
clemency is an official act by an authority to reduce punishment, while forgiveness is personal release from blame or resentment
Usage tip
Use when someone with power chooses to be merciful rather than enforce full consequences
Etymology
Latin — from 'clementia' (mildness, gentleness), from 'clemens' (mild, calm)
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