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clément

lenient, merciful

adjective kleh-MAHN Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Personality

Origin: From Latin clemens (mild, merciful).

Also means

mild (weather)

Usage Note

clément describes a judge, authority, or person who is merciful rather than harsh, and also mild weather — un hiver clément is a mild winter. The noun la clémence means both leniency and mild weather. The feminine form is clémente.

Examples

"Le juge a été clément avec l'accusé."

Natural Translation

The judge was lenient with the defendant.

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