Clemency
Mercy or leniency shown toward someone, especially by a judge or official, sparing or reducing punishment.
nounClemency
Mercy or leniency shown toward someone, especially by a judge or official, sparing or reducing punishment.
nounImagine This
Picture a weary judge in a quiet courtroom who, after hearing pleas and considering rehabilitation, grants clemency to a prisoner, sparing them from a harsher sentence or execution.
Sounds Like
KLEM-ən-see
Looks Like
Clement (related adjective; both share the merciful sense)
Remember This
Clemency derives from a Latin root meaning merciful; historically, rulers used clemency to show mercy while not necessarily declaring innocence.
Other Forms
Connect With
Mercy, leniency, pardon, forgiveness, compassion
Note
Clemency is a broad concept that can include pardons, reprieves, or commutations. It is distinct from a formal pardon (absolving guilt) and from commutation (reducing the sentence).