Main Entry: le·nient

Pronunciation: \ˈlē-nē-ənt, -nyənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin lenient-, leniens, present participle of lenire to soften, soothe, from lenis soft, mild; probably akin to Lithuanian lėnas tranquil — more at let

Date: 1652

1 : exerting a soothing or easing influence : relieving pain or stress
2 : of mild and tolerant disposition; especially : indulgent

— le·nient·ly adverb