clemency etymology

Etymology:

  • From the Old French "clemencie," ultimately derived from the Latin word "clementia."

Meaning:

  • Disposition to be kind and merciful, especially in the exercise of authority.
  • An act of mercy or leniency, such as the pardon of a crime.

Origin:

The Latin word "clementia" was originally used to describe a state of calmness or mildness. It was also used to refer to the kindness and gentleness of a ruler or master.

Over time, "clementia" came to be associated specifically with the exercise of mercy and leniency, especially in the context of criminal justice. It was recognized that even the most powerful rulers should show mercy and compassion towards those who had wronged them.

The concept of clemency was further developed in the Christian tradition, where it was seen as a virtue that rulers should strive to possess.

In modern usage, the term "clemency" is often used to refer to the pardon of a crime or the reduction of a sentence. This act of mercy is typically granted by a head of state or government to individuals who have demonstrated remorse or extenuating circumstances.

clemency relate terms

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  • clement

    Etymology Derived from the Latin name Clemens which is the present participle of the

  • clemency

    Etymology From the Old French clemencie ultimately derived from the Latin word clem

  • acclivity

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  • anticline

    Etymology From Ancient Greek ἀντί anti reverse opposite κλίνειν k

  • clemency

    Etymology From the Old French clemencie ultimately derived from the Latin word clem

  • client

    Etymology From Middle French client from Latin cliens clientis from Proto Italic kle

  • climate

    Etymology The word climate originates from the Greek word κλίμα klima which

  • climax

    Etymology Derived from the Greek word klīmax meaning ladder staircase Meaning

  • cline

    Etymology The word cline is derived from the Greek term κλίνειν klinein mea

  • clinic

    Etymology The word clinic derives from the Greek word κλίνη klinē meaning b

  • clinical

    Clinical Etymology Clinical etymology is the study of the origins and meanings of medical

  • clino

    Etymology The word clino originates from the Greek word κλίνω klínō meanin

  • decline

    Etymology The word decline originates from the Old French word decliner which in tur

  • declivity

    Etymology The word declivity comes from the Latin word declivis meaning sloping do

  • enclitic

    Etymology Greek en in on klinein to lean Meaning A grammatical element

  • heteroclite

  • incline

    Etymology The word incline derives from the Latin word inclinare meaning to bend or

  • ladder

    Etymology The word ladder comes from the Old English word hladder which is itself d

  • lean

    Etymology Derived from the Old English word hlænan meaning to lean or incline Ger

  • matroclinous

    Etymology Greek mētēr meaning mother Greek klinō meaning to slope Meani

  • patroclinous

    Etymology The word patroclinous is derived from two Greek roots pater meaning fath

  • polyclinic

    Etymology The word polyclinic originates from two Greek roots poly πολύ mea

  • proclitic

    Etymology Proclitic comes from the Greek words pro before and klinein to lean

  • proclivity

    Etymology Latin proclivis meaning inclined downward From pro forward and cli

  • recline

    Etymology Latin reclinare to lean back lie down Origin Proto Indo European root

  • synclinal

    Etymology From Greek syn together klino to incline Meaning and Origin A s

  • thermocline

    Etymology The word thermocline is derived from two Greek words thermo heat klin

  • mercy

    Etymology Old French merci Late Latin merces reward payment Proto Indo European

  • respite

    Etymology of Respite The word respite comes from the Latin word respicere meaning t

  • amnesty

    Etymology From Ancient Greek ἀμνηστία amnēstía from ἀ a without

  • pardon

    Etymology The word pardon comes from the Old French word pardonner which itself come

  • reprieve

    Etymology Middle English repriev a relaxation release from Old French reprieve f

  • commutation

    Etymology Late Middle English commutacioun 14th century from Anglo Norman French co

  • quarter

    Etymology The word quarter has several etymological roots Latin quartus meaning

  • Eucharist

    Etymology The word Eucharist is derived from the Greek word εὐχαριστία e

  • Angle

    Etymology The word angle comes from the Old English word angel meaning hook Mea

  • conscience

    Etymology From Middle French conscience knowledge from Latin conscientia knowled