YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

clemency

Noun

IPA /ˈklemənsi/

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Meaning in plain English

Mercy shown by someone with the power to reduce or forgive a punishment.

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Pronunciation

clemency/ˈklemənsi/

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A punishment has been imposed
The authority chooses to show mercy
The punishment is reduced

Clemency means mercy in punishment; it does not itself declare someone innocent.

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The prison drama ends with a plea for clemency.
The law students discussed the reasons given in an appeal for clemency.

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The prison drama ends with a plea for ________.

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clemency — Mercy shown by someone with the power to reduce or forgive a punishment.

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Mercy shown by someone with the power to reduce or forgive a punishment.

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Word origin

From Latin clementia, related to clemens, meaning merciful or gentle.

Did you know?

Plea for clemency and appeal for clemency are common combinations.

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