lenient

/ˈliniənt/

/ˈlinjɪnt/

If you're not overly strict, and you show tolerance and mercy when someone does something wrong, you're being lenient.

Lenient means tolerant or relaxed, and is usually used when we’re talking about someone’s attitude toward discipline. In 19th-century child-rearing books, we often read about strict teachers who punish children just for squirming in their seats. These days teachers are more likely to be lenient, more understanding. If you're a big fan of discipline and punishment, however, lenient might mean "soft" or "indulgent."

Definitions of lenient

1. adjective

   tolerant or lenient
   synonyms: indulgent, soft

   permissive

   granting or inclined or able to grant permission; not strict in discipline
2. adjective

   characterized by tolerance and mercy
   synonyms:

   clement

   (used of persons or behavior) inclined to show mercy
3. adjective

   not strict
   “lenient rules”

   synonyms:

   undemanding

   requiring little if any patience or effort or skill