Words / C2

KLEM-uh-nsee/ˈklemənsi/

Clemency is mercy, especially in reducing a punishment (formal): grant clemency, a plea for clemency. Mercy (already in the dictionary) is everyday kindness when you could punish; lenient (already in the dictionary) is the adjective of mild judgement. Onerous (already in the dictionary) is burdensome to bear, of a duty — the opposite flavour of weight. A late filing is not a missing consent clause.

Meaning

Mercy, especially in reducing a punishment (formal).

Examples

• “Clemency for a late filing is not a missing consent clause.”
• “Mercy is everyday kindness in punishment (already in B1). Lenient is not as strict as expected (already in C1). Onerous is burdensome (already in C2) — the contrast. Ceremony after a dated form can be exact. Ceremony instead of the clause is theatre. Write the consent; then the pardon.”

Good to know

Mercy in punishment (formal). Everyday: mercy (already in this dictionary). Close adjective: lenient (already in C1). Contrast: onerous (burdensome — already in C2). Pardon ≠ a missing clause.

Near in meaning

mercy, leniency, pardon, forbearance

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