Becoming lenient means showing more flexibility and tolerance towards rules, norms, and people's mistakes or faults. The word "become lenient" can be transcribed in IPA phonetic notation as /bɪˈkʌm ˈliːniənt/. It starts with the consonant sound /b/, followed by a short vowel sound /ɪ/. The stress falls on the second syllable, indicated by the apostrophe in /bɪˈkʌm/. The second part of the word has two syllables and is pronounced as /ˈliːniənt/, starting with the voiced consonant sound /l/.
"Become lenient" refers to the process or state of developing a more forgiving, tolerant, or flexible attitude or behavior towards someone or something. It indicates a change in mindset or approach, shifting from strictness or severity to a milder or more indulgent stance.
When an individual or an authority figure becomes lenient, they adopt a more liberal or easygoing attitude towards rules, regulations, punishments, or expectations that they previously held. They may decide to overlook minor transgressions, show more understanding, or grant greater leeway or flexibility in certain situations.
This change can occur due to various reasons. One possibility is a recognition of extenuating circumstances or a realization that certain past judgments may have been too harsh or inflexible. In some cases, becoming lenient can be prompted by a desire to foster harmony, promote empathy, avoid conflict, or encourage growth and learning.
The act of becoming lenient often entails adjusting one's expectations, standards, or discipline methods to accommodate differing circumstances or individuals. It encourages the exercise of more discretion, empathy, or compassion, allowing for second chances or forgiveness.
However, it is important to note that becoming lenient does not imply a complete abandonment of authority or a disregard for justice. Instead, it signifies a nuanced and balanced approach, recognizing when leniency may be appropriate without compromising principles or core values.
The etymology of the word "become lenient" can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts:
1. "Become": The word "become" originated from the Old English word "becuman", which means "to happen, arrive, come to be". It is a combination of the prefix "be-" (indicating a change or arrival) and "cuman" (meaning "come").
2. "Lenient": The word "lenient" comes from the Latin word "lenire", which means "to soften or soothe". It was later borrowed into English from French in the 17th century. The suffix "-ient" is derived from Latin "-entem", used to form adjectives indicating someone or something that possesses or exhibits a particular quality.