Clemency: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Clemency noun. Mercy or leniency shown by someone with the power to punish.
How to say it
KLEM-un-see/ˈklɛm(ə)nsi/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (KLEM).
Clemency in a sentence
The governor granted clemency to the prisoner hours before the execution.
His lawyers appealed for clemency, citing his age and failing health.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- mercy
- leniency
- pardon
- compassion
Opposite:
- severity
- harshness
Where clemency comes from
From Latin clementia, mildness.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
His lawyers appealed for _____, citing his age and failing health.
- abeyance
- misprision
- clemency
Show the answer
clemency: His lawyers appealed for clemency, citing his age and failing health.