C1noun 2K

Mercy

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈmɜːsi/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈmɜːrsi/"]/

Meaning of Mercy

a kind or forgiving attitude towards somebody that you have the power to harm or right to punish

In simple words: Showing kindness and forgiveness to someone who may not deserve it.

Mercy in a sentence

• The soldier begged for mercy from his captors.
• She showed mercy by forgiving the thief instead of pressing charges.
• The judge decided to grant mercy due to the defendant's difficult childhood.
• Despite the harsh conditions, he survived only by the mercy of strangers.
• It was at the mercy of the storm that the ship was tossed about wildly.
• The town was left at the mercy of invading forces.
• In the drought, crops were at the mercy of nature’s unpredictable patterns.

How to use Mercy

Use 'mercy' in situations involving compassion or kindness, particularly when someone is in a vulnerable position. Avoid in contexts where toughness or strictness is expected.

Grammar pattern

give + mercy

Memory hint

Think of 'mercy' as 'mercy me!' – a phrase that expresses surprise or appeal for kindness.

Related words

Collocations with Mercy

• divine
• infinite
• great
• ask for
• beg for
• plead for
• dash
• mission
• killing
• at the mercy of
• without mercy
• mercy for
• be grateful for small mercies
• be thankful for small mercies

Synonyms for Mercy

• humanity

Opposites of Mercy

• cruelty
• harshness
• severity

Common mistakes with Mercy

• Confusing 'mercy' with 'pity'; they have different meanings.
• Using 'mercy' with a positive only; it can be used in negative contexts too.
• Omitting 'on' in phrases like 'have mercy on someone'.

Frequently asked questions about Mercy

What does Mercy mean?

Showing kindness and forgiveness to someone who may not deserve it.

What is the definition of Mercy?

a kind or forgiving attitude towards somebody that you have the power to harm or right to punish

How do you use Mercy in a sentence?

The soldier begged for mercy from his captors.

Can you give another example of Mercy?

She showed mercy by forgiving the thief instead of pressing charges.

What are synonyms for Mercy?

Common alternatives include humanity.

What is the opposite of Mercy?

Opposite meanings include cruelty, harshness, severity.

What words go with Mercy?

It commonly pairs with divine, infinite, great, ask for, beg for, plead for, dash, mission, killing, at the mercy of, without mercy, mercy for, be grateful for small mercies, be thankful for small mercies.

What are common mistakes when using Mercy?

Confusing 'mercy' with 'pity'; they have different meanings. Using 'mercy' with a positive only; it can be used in negative contexts too. Omitting 'on' in phrases like 'have mercy on someone'.

How do you pronounce Mercy?

US: /["/ˈmɜːrsi/"]/, UK: /["/ˈmɜːsi/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Mercy?

Use 'mercy' in situations involving compassion or kindness, particularly when someone is in a vulnerable position. Avoid in contexts where toughness or strictness is expected.

What CEFR level is Mercy?

"Mercy" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.