Word of the Day - 06/09/26
inclement
/ɪn'klɛmənt/(adj.): (of weather or climate) severe
The travelers were forced to seek shelter from the inclement weather.
(adj.): used of persons or behavior; showing no clemency or mercy
The warden was known for his inclement nature, rarely showing mercy to prisoners.
Word Origin
The word 'inclement' originates from Latin. It is formed from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', combined with 'clemens' meaning 'mild', 'gentle', or 'merciful'. Thus, 'inclement' literally means 'not mild' or 'not gentle', often referring to harsh or severe weather.
Words with similar origins include 'clement' (meaning mild or merciful), 'clemency' (mercy, lenience), both deriving from the same Latin root 'clemens'.