What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
leniency
Example
The teacher showed leniency towards the student who was struggling with personal issues. [leniency: noun]
Example
The judge decided to show leniency and gave the defendant a reduced sentence. [leniency: noun]
mercy
Example
The victim's family showed mercy towards the offender, hoping they would learn from their mistake. [mercy: noun]
Example
The king showed mercy towards the prisoner and granted them a pardon. [mercy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mercy is more commonly used than leniency in everyday language. Mercy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while leniency is more specific and often used in legal or disciplinary settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between leniency and mercy?
Leniency is typically used in formal or professional contexts, while mercy can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Both words can be used in formal writing, but leniency is more common in legal or disciplinary documents.
