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Severity vs Leniency - What's the difference?

severity | leniency |

As nouns the difference between severity and leniency

is that severity is the state of being severe while leniency is the quality of mercy or forgiveness, especially in the assignment of punishment as in a court case.

severity

English

Noun

(severities)
  • The state of being severe.
  • The degree of something undesirable; badness or seriousness.
    • The severity of the offence merits a long prison sentence.

    leniency

    English

    Noun

  • The quality of mercy or forgiveness, especially in the assignment of punishment as in a court case.
    • The convicted felon asked for leniency , but because the crime was so heinous the judge refused and gave the maximum sentence.
  • An act of being lenient.
    • Derived terms
    * leniency application * leniency applicant * leniency policy * Leniency Notice * Leniency Program