WordLens

lenient

1 of 1adjective
/ˈlinjənt/
Forms:more lenient,most lenient
1

(of a person) tolerant, flexible, or relaxed in enforcing rules or standards, often forgiving and understanding toward others

B2
  • The lenient teacher allowed students extra time to complete assignments if they had valid reasons for delays.
  • The lenient parent often overlooked minor misbehavior and preferred to guide their child with patience rather than harsh punishment.
  • Despite the seriousness of the offense, the judge opted for a lenient sentence, considering the defendant's remorse and efforts towards rehabilitation.
  • The lenient supervisor granted flexible work hours to employees who needed to balance personal responsibilities with their job duties.
  • In contrast to his strict predecessor, the new manager took a lenient approach to employee tardiness, focusing more on productivity than punctuality.
2

allowing behavior without strict control

  • They thought her too lenient with the children.
  • His lenient style let the team set their own pace.
  • She was lenient toward minor rule-breaking.
  • The lenient attitude created discipline problems.
  • Critics said the government was lenient in enforcing the law.
Synonyms:
3

not strict or severe in standards, punishment, or conditions

  • The court gave a lenient sentence.
  • Regulations here are lenient compared to other countries.
  • That was a lenient punishment for such a serious crime.
  • The school's rules are lenient.
  • The fine seemed lenient for the violation.