lenient
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “lenient” mean?
adjective.(of punishment or a person in authority) permissive, merciful, or tolerant.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in passages discussing education, law, or authority figures, highlighting themes of justice and discipline. It implies a degree of flexibility or compassion in decision-making, suggesting a contrast to strict or harsh approaches, and it differs from words like "indulgent," which can connote excessive permissiveness rather than a balanced approach.
Common Confusions
Lenient implies a balanced approach to mercy or tolerance, while indulgent usually suggests an excessive or unrestrained level of permissiveness.
Do not choose lenient if the context emphasizes strictness or severity rather than permissiveness, mercy, or tolerance.
Example Sentences
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The standard is fairly lenient, so use your discretion.