1. Mercy (noun): Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone, especially an offender, under one's power.
2. Mercy (noun): An act of kindness or compassion, often unexpected or undeserved.
3. Mercy (noun): Alleviation of distress or suffering; relief.
4. Mercy (noun): A disposition to be compassionate, forgiving, or kind.
"Mercy" primarily refers to compassionate treatment, especially toward those who are in one's power or who could be harmed. It can also denote an act of kindness or forbearance shown to an offender or enemy, particularly in sparing them from punishment or harm they might deserve. In religious contexts, mercy represents divine compassion or forgiveness shown to sinful humanity. Learning about the various dimensions of mercy can enhance your understanding of compassion, justice, and ethical decision-making.
"Mercy" conveys themes of forgiveness, compassion, and alleviation of suffering. Below are its primary definitions and their contexts.
As a noun, "mercy" refers to showing kindness or forgiveness toward someone, particularly when punishment or harsh treatment is expected.
It also signifies a benevolent act or a favor that relieves suffering or distress, such as "a mercy mission."
"Mercy" describes alleviation or freedom from hardship or pain, such as "death was a mercy for the suffering animal."
It reflects a general tendency to show kindness, forgiveness, or compassion toward others.
Mercy functions primarily as a noun, referring to compassionate treatment, forgiveness, or clemency shown to someone who deserves punishment. It appears in numerous idiomatic expressions such as "at the mercy of" (completely in the power of), "have mercy on" (show compassion toward), and "throw oneself on the mercy of" (appeal for compassionate treatment). Less commonly, mercy can function as an interjection in expressions like "Mercy me!" or simply "Mercy!" to express surprise, concern, or dismay.
The word "mercy" is pronounced as "MUR-see." It has two syllables, with the emphasis placed on the first syllable. The first syllable "mur" rhymes with "fur" and begins with an "m" sound made by pressing your lips together and releasing air through your nose, followed by the "ur" sound as in "urgent." The second syllable "see" is pronounced exactly like the word "sea" or "see," with a clear "s" sound followed by a long "e" sound.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈmɜːr.si/
Synonyms for "mercy" reflect themes of compassion, leniency, or kindness.
Antonyms emphasize harshness, cruelty, or punishment.
Using "mercy" in sentences highlights its applications across different contexts. Here are ten examples:
1. The judge showed mercy by giving the defendant a reduced sentence.
2. The rain brought much-needed mercy to the drought-stricken region.
3. She begged for mercy, but her captors were unrelenting.
4. It was an act of mercy to let the injured bird go free.
5. At the height of the storm, the sailors were at the mercy of the waves.
6. The teacher demonstrated mercy by giving the students an extension on their assignments.
7. The relief workers brought mercy to the war-torn community.
8. Showing mercy in moments of power is a sign of true strength.
9. Death was mercy for the terminally ill patient who had suffered for so long.
10. She relied on the mercy of strangers during her journey.
The term "mercy" is moderately frequent in English, particularly in moral, religious, or legal contexts. It appears often in discussions about forgiveness, compassion, and humanitarian efforts.
Variants and related forms of "mercy" adapt its meaning for specific contexts or grammatical structures.
1. Merciful (adjective): Showing mercy or compassion.
2. Merciless (adjective): Lacking mercy; cruel.
3. Mercifully (adverb): In a merciful or compassionate manner.
Related terms help expand the understanding of its applications in different contexts.
1. Compassion
2. Forgiveness
3. Grace
4. Leniency
5. Clemency
6. Charity
7. Benevolence
8. Pity
9. Humanity
10. Sympathy
The word "mercy" originates from the Old French term merci, meaning "reward" or "grace," and the Latin merces, meaning "wages" or "favor." Its early uses in English emphasized compassion and forgiveness, often in religious or moral contexts. Over time, its meaning expanded to include acts of kindness and relief from suffering.
"Mercy" has derivatives and compounds that enhance its usage in specific contexts.
1. Act of mercy: A benevolent act to relieve suffering.
2. Mercy killing: The act of ending a life to relieve suffering (euthanasia).
3. At the mercy of: Being under the control or influence of something or someone.
Misspellings of "mercy" often arise due to typographical errors.
1. Marcy
2. Mersi
3. Mersy
Idioms related to compassion, forgiveness, or leniency align with the concept of "mercy."
1. At the mercy of
2. Show some leniency
3. A soft heart
4. Bend the rules
5. Let off the hook
6. A kind gesture
7. Go easy on someone
8. A helping hand
9. To spare someone
10. A stroke of kindness
Here are some commonly asked questions about "mercy":
1. What does "mercy" mean?
It refers to compassion, forgiveness, or relief shown toward someone in a position of power.
2. How is "mercy" used in religion?
It often represents God's compassion and forgiveness, such as in "divine mercy."
3. What is a "mercy killing"?
It refers to ending a life to alleviate suffering, often in cases of terminal illness.
4. Can "mercy" describe relief from hardship?
Yes, it can describe relief or alleviation of suffering, such as "the rain was a mercy."
5. What does "at the mercy of" mean?
It means being vulnerable or under the control of someone or something.
6. Is "mercy" always positive?
Yes, it typically conveys kindness, compassion, or forgiveness.
7. How does "mercy" differ from "grace"?
"Mercy" often involves forgiveness or relief from punishment, while "grace" is unearned favor or kindness.
8. What does "merciless" mean?
It means lacking mercy or compassion; cruel.
9. Can "mercy" be shown in legal contexts?
Yes, judges or authorities may show mercy by giving lighter sentences.
10. How is "mercy" used in literature?
It is often used to depict acts of forgiveness, compassion, or moral strength.
"Mercy" signifies compassion, forgiveness, and relief from suffering, making it a profound concept in human interaction. Its application spans moral, legal, and emotional contexts. Explore more word definitions to deepen your understanding of meaningful language.
