ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›L›lenient
ISEE/SSATmedium
lenient
mild or not strict, especially in giving punishment
Synonyms
- merciful
- forgiving
- permissive
Antonyms
- strict
- harsh
lenient in a sentence
The teacher was lenient with students who turned in homework a day late.
The coach's lenient attitude toward missed practices frustrated the more disciplined players.
Where it comes from
From Latin lenire "to soften"
Memory hook
LENIENT sounds like 'lean' -- leaning toward mercy instead of punishment.
Read it in context
- Signals at the Table Social Science