Definition of lenient

< leniency

Leni Lenape >

le·ni·ent    (ln-nt, lnynt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

Inclined not to be harsh or strict; merciful, generous, or indulgent: lenient parents; lenient rules.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Obsolete French, from Latin lnins, lnient- present participle of lnre, to pacify, from lnis, soft; see l- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
leni·ent·ly(Adverb)