Word of the Day: Clemency (noun)
Possible Meanings:
- Mercy or compassion shown towards someone who has done wrong.
- Leniency, especially in punishment.
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Example Sentences:
- The king offered clemency to the captured rebels, sparing their lives. (Explanation: Clemency is used here because the king showed mercy by not punishing the rebels with death.)
- The judge surprised everyone by recommending clemency for the first-time offender. (Explanation: Clemency is a good choice in this sentence because the judge is suggesting a lighter punishment than what might be expected.)
- Despite calls for clemency, the criminal’s sentence remained unchanged. (Explanation: Here, clemency refers to the pleas for mercy that were ultimately not granted.)
- The President is known for his clemency towards non-violent offenders. (Explanation: Clemency describes the President’s tendency to show compassion and offer lighter sentences in certain cases.)
- Hoping for clemency, the prisoner wrote a heartfelt letter to the parole board. (Explanation: Clemency is used because the prisoner is asking for mercy and a chance for early release.)
Conversation Example:
Person 1: “Did you hear about the escaped convict who turned himself in?”
Person 2: “Yes, I wonder if he’ll be shown any clemency.” (Explanation: Clemency is used here because the person is unsure if the convict will receive a lighter punishment for surrendering.)
Can you use clemency in a sentence of your own? Share your example in the comments below.