We have had “inclement” weather in February. This means that the weather has been chilly, wintry (de invierno), freezing, cold or “brass-monkey weather” (un dicho en inglés que = hace un frio que pela).
The word inclement is similar in Spanish (inclemente). Inclement has other uses: a mortal can be inclement, meaning that the person is severe in manner and behaviour.
An inclement mortal can be “unmerciful” (despiadado). Sometimes judges are unmerciful or inclement in their judgements: in this context harsh (áspero) in their judgement and showing no mercy (misericordia).
Sailors often speak about “inclement seas”, meaning rough and icy conditions. Perhaps inclement weather makes sailors ”inclement” from time to time.
Here are some examples:
- London is inclement in February.
- Keep you hands warm when the weather is inclement (mantén sus manos calientes en las inclemencias del tiempo).
- Scotland has an inclement climate (…un clima inclemente).
- Gulliermo is often inclement when sailing his yacht in inclement seas.
The opposite of inclement is “clement” which means mild or merciful. The weather could be clement, and a judge could be clement or mercifiul (misericordioso). Some examples:
- We hope to have a clement spring (…una primavera clemente).
- I shall be clement (seré clemente…) if you confess your sins (pecados).
So, have you been clement, suffered inclement weather, and been inclement with a mortal?
