What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clemency
Example
The governor granted clemency to the prisoner, reducing his sentence. [clemency: noun]
Example
She pleaded for clemency, hoping that her mistake would be forgiven. [clemency: noun]
pardon
Example
The president issued a pardon to the political activist, clearing his name and restoring his rights. [pardon: noun]
Example
He was pardoned for his crimes and given a chance to start afresh. [pardon: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pardon is more commonly used than clemency in everyday language. While clemency is primarily used in legal and criminal justice contexts, pardon has a broader usage and can also be employed to mean forgiveness in general.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clemency and pardon?
Both clemency and pardon are formal words, often used in legal and official contexts. However, pardon is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations, while clemency is more commonly used in formal settings.
