-ənt adjective
Etymology: Latin lenient-, leniens, present participle of lenire to soften, from lenis soft, mild; akin to Latvian lēns mild, slow, lazy, Old Slavic lēnŭ — more at let (to permit)
1. archaic : relieving pain (as a medicine) or stress (as soothing influence) : assuasive , emollient
2. : of mild and tolerant disposition or effect : indulgent , merciful
strict legality was mitigated by his lenient understanding
contiguous states were attracting capital and enterprise through lenient laws — Broadus Mitchell
Synonyms: see forbearing , soft