adj. 1. Inclined not to be harsh or strict; merciful or indulgent: lenient parents. 2. Not harsh or strict; merciful or generous: lenient rules. [Obsolete French, from Latin lēniēns, lēnient-, present participle of lēnīre, to pacify, from lēnis, soft; see lē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] leni·ent·ly adv. |
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