French Conversation · Level 150
30 words
French word
clément
Pronunciation
IPA/klemɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectivelenient
Example
Le professeur a été clément avec moi.
The professor was lenient with me.
More examples
Le juge a été clément dans sa décision.
The judge was lenient in his decision.
Core concept
A person or authority choosing leniency when punishment could be harsher.
Common phrases
être clément envers
be lenient toward ___
temps clément
mild weather
un professeur clément
a lenient teacher
Similar words
doux: Soft-natured, gentle, and unlikely to impose pressure or force.
indulgent: Forgiving toward people's shortcomings and errors.
bienveillant: Showing kindness, goodwill, and a desire to help others.
tolérant: Accepting of differences and behavior that may not be shared or approved.
Definition in French
Qui agit avec douceur et tolérance, ne se montrant pas sévère envers autrui.
Word origin
Inherited through Old French from Latin clemens, clément has retained its original association with mildness and mercy.
Usage tips
- The feminine form is clémente, whose final t is pronounced, so agreement changes both spelling and pronunciation.