Mercy

Pronunciation: /ˈmɜrsi/

Definitions of mercy

noun compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm

Example Sentences

A1 Please have mercy on me, I didn't mean to break your toy.

A2 The judge showed mercy and reduced the criminal's sentence.

B1 The charity organization provides food and shelter for those in need out of mercy.

B2 The soldier begged for mercy as the enemy approached.

C1 The king's act of mercy towards the rebels helped to restore peace in the kingdom.

C2 The doctor's decision to continue treatment despite the odds was seen as an act of mercy by the patient's family.

Examples of mercy in a Sentence

formal The judge showed mercy towards the defendant and reduced the sentence.

informal Please have mercy on me and let me off with a warning!

slang I begged for mercy but the teacher still gave me detention.

figurative The storm raged on without mercy, causing widespread destruction.

Grammatical Forms of mercy

• past tense: showed mercy
• plural: mercies
• comparative: more merciful
• superlative: most merciful
• present tense: show mercy
• future tense: will show mercy
• perfect tense: have shown mercy
• continuous tense: is showing mercy
• singular: mercy
• positive degree: merciful
• infinitive: to show mercy
• gerund: showing mercy
• participle: merciful

Origin and Evolution of mercy

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'mercy' originated from the Latin word 'misericordia', which is a combination of 'miser' meaning 'wretched' or 'pitiful' and 'cor' meaning 'heart'. It conveys the idea of having a compassionate heart towards those in need.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'mercy' has evolved to encompass not just a feeling of compassion or forgiveness, but also the act of showing kindness or leniency towards others in times of distress or trouble.