clement i: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low frequency, academic/literary)Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “clement i” mean?
mild or merciful.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
mild or merciful; showing leniency.
Used literally for mild weather (esp. clement weather/climate); figuratively for merciful, gentle temperaments or judgements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the term in formal/literary contexts.
Connotations
Connotes a refined, classical, or old-fashioned tone in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “clement i” in a Sentence
[be] + clement + to/towards + [person]clement + [noun] (e.g., clement conditions)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clement i” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (adjective only)
American English
- N/A (adjective only)
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form; "clemently" is non-standard/archaic)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The judge was clement in his sentencing, considering the defendant's remorse.
- We enjoyed a spell of clement weather for our walking holiday in the Lakes.
American English
- The governor was clement towards the prisoners, granting several pardons.
- February has been unusually clement this year, with very little snow.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Found in historical, literary, or legal texts describing merciful rulers or judges.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might be used jokingly or self-consciously to describe very pleasant weather.
Technical
Used in meteorology/climatology (clement season/period).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clement i”
- Confusing with "inclement."
- Using in informal speech.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkliːmənt/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal and somewhat literary word. Its opposite, 'inclement,' is more frequently heard, especially in 'inclement weather.'
Yes, it can describe a person who is merciful, lenient, or gentle in their judgments or temperament, though this is a formal usage.
They are completely different words. 'Element' refers to a basic part or principle (e.g., chemical element), while 'clement' means mild or merciful.
The form 'clemently' exists but is archaic and non-standard. It's better to rephrase using 'mercifully,' 'leniently,' or 'in a clement manner.'
mild or merciful.
Clement i is usually formal, literary in register.
Clement i: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɛmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɛmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Clement weather is a welcome guest, but seldom stays long. (Literary/Proverbial)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of "CLEMENT"ine oranges: they are sweet and pleasant, just like clement weather or a merciful person.
Conceptual Metaphor
MERCY/MILDNESS IS PLEASANT WEATHER (e.g., "a clement disposition").
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY context for the word 'clement'?