What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
leniency
Example
The judge showed leniency towards the first-time offender and gave him community service instead of jail time. [leniency: noun]
Example
The teacher showed leniency towards the student who was struggling with the subject and gave her extra time to complete the assignment. [leniency: noun]
forgiveness
Example
She asked for forgiveness from her friend after she had betrayed her trust. [forgiveness: noun]
Example
He forgave his father for abandoning him as a child and was able to move on with his life. [forgave: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Forgiveness is more commonly used than leniency in everyday language. Forgiveness is a universal concept that is relevant in many contexts, while leniency is more specific to legal or disciplinary situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between leniency and forgiveness?
Leniency is typically associated with a formal or legal context, while forgiveness can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wide range of situations.
