noun / interjection
mercy
MUR-see/ˈmɜːrsi/
Compassion that withholds a threatened punishment.
The ruler shows mercy and lets the frightened captive go unharmed.
Etymology
The word for ‘reward’ acquired senses of favor and pity; Church Latin also applied it to heavenly reward for kindness to the helpless. English used it for divine forgiveness, then compassion and forbearance more generally.
In context
mercy and I will have compassion on whomever I'll have compassion so then it is not of him who Wills nor of him who runs but of God who shows Mercy
More examples
- The judge shows mercy by sparing him a prison sentence.
- She begs for mercy before the principal announces her punishment.
- “Mercy!” the prisoner cries, pleading for his life.
Forms
mercy · mercies
merciful adjective — Showing compassion by sparing others punishment.
merciless adjective — Showing no compassion toward those facing punishment.
Similar words
- clemency
- Usually refers to an authority officially reducing or forgiving punishment.
- leniency
- Emphasizes reduced strictness rather than compassion for the person punished.
- compassion
- Includes concern for suffering without necessarily involving threatened punishment.