Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [mur-see]
- /ˈmɜr si/
- /ˈmɜː.si/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [mur-see]
- /ˈmɜr si/
Definitions of mercy word
- noun plural mercy compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner. 1
- noun plural mercy the disposition to be compassionate or forbearing: an adversary wholly without mercy. 1
- noun plural mercy the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, especially to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty. 1
- noun plural mercy an act of kindness, compassion, or favor: She has performed countless small mercies for her friends and neighbors. 1
- noun plural mercy something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing: It was just a mercy we had our seat belts on when it happened. 1
- idioms mercy at the mercy of, entirely in the power of; subject to: They were at the mercy of their captors. Also, at one's mercy. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of mercy
First appearance:
before 1125 One of the 6% oldest English words
1125-75; Middle English merci < Old French, earlier mercit < Latin mercēd- (stem of mercēs) wages (Late Latin, Medieval Latin: heavenly reward), derivative of merx goods
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Mercy
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
mercy popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 95% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
mercy usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for mercy
noun mercy
- pity — sympathetic or kindly sorrow evoked by the suffering, distress, or misfortune of another, often leading one to give relief or aid or to show mercy: to feel pity for astarving child.
- benevolence — inclination or tendency to help or do good to others; charity
- generosity — readiness or liberality in giving.
- forgiveness — act of forgiving; state of being forgiven.
- blessing — A blessing is something good that you are grateful for.
Antonyms for mercy
noun mercy
- disdain — to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.
- ill will — hostile feeling; malevolence; enmity: to harbor ill will against someone.
- selfishness — devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.
- disapproval — the act or state of disapproving; a condemnatory feeling, look, or utterance; censure: stern disapproval.
- disfavor — unfavorable regard; displeasure; disesteem; dislike: The prime minister incurred the king's disfavor.
Top questions with mercy
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