mercifulness

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the feeling that motivates compassion
noun a disposition to be kind and forgiving
noun leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice

From Middle English mercyfulnes, mercyfullenesse, equivalent to merciful + -ness.

But there was no compassion, no mercifulness in their faces as they looked down at her. — From Place to Place, Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb
That mercifulness wipes out and washes away sins, as salves and remedies to heal sores and grievous diseases. — Apologia pro vita sua : $b being a history of his religious opinions, John Henry Newman
Wherefore, being wearied of that life, and remembering the King's favor of old towards him, he determined to try the King's mercifulness and clemency. — The Lady of the Lake, Walter Scott

mercy

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