top definitions
related content
examples
british

lenity

[ len-i-tee ]

/ ˈlɛn ɪ ti /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR lenity ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural len·i·ties.

the quality or state of being mild or gentle, as toward others.

a lenient act.

Origin of lenity

From the Latin word lēnītās, dating back to 1540–50. See lenis, -ty²

Words nearby lenity

lenis, lenite, lenitic, lenition, lenitive, lenity, lenni lenape, lennon, lennox, lennox-gastaut syndrome, lenny

Example sentences from the Web for lenity

Yet such was their lenity and clemency, that upon a petition from them, the foresaid persons were set at liberty.

Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies) |John Howie
Tell me not of the lenity with which this cruel law is tempered to its unhappy subjects.

Charles Sumner; his complete works, volume 5 (of 20) |Charles Sumner
Nor did those who offered to surrender always experience the lenity and mercy, which they sought thereby.

The Rights of War and Peace |Hugo Grotius
I therefore flatter myself that the congress will receive with indulgence and lenity the opinion I shall offer.

The Life of George Washington, Vol. 2 (of 5) |John Marshall

With this vast lightening of spirit came, not only gratitude, but a sense of lenity toward Governor Abbott.

The Lieutenant-Governor |Guy Wetmore Carryl

British Dictionary definitions for lenity

lenity

/ (ˈlɛnɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

the state or quality of being lenient

Word Origin for lenity

C16: from Latin lēnitās gentleness, from lēnis soft