CLEMENT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does clement mean? 

• CLEMENT (adjective)
  The adjective CLEMENT has 2 senses:

1. (of weather or climate) physically mild

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

  Familiarity information: CLEMENT used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CLEMENT (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of weather or climate) physically mild

Context example:

clement weather

Similar:

balmy; mild; soft (mild and pleasant)

Also:

temperate ((of weather or climate) free from extremes; mild; or characteristic of such weather or climate)

Antonym:

inclement ((of weather or climate) severe)

Derivation:

clemency (good weather with comfortable temperatures)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(used of persons or behavior) inclined to show mercy

Context example:

a more clement judge reduced the sentence

Similar:

lenient (characterized by tolerance and mercy)

Also:

merciful (showing or giving mercy)

Antonym:

inclement (used of persons or behavior; showing no clemency or mercy)

Derivation:

clemency (leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice)

 Context examples 

Miss Ingram ought to be clement, for she has it in her power to inflict a chastisement beyond mortal endurance.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)