mercy

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

Etymology

From Middle English mercy, merci, from Anglo-Norman merci (compare continental Old French merci, mercit), from Latin mercēs (“wages, fee, price”), from merx (“wares, merchandise”). Displaced native Old English mildheortnes (literally "mildheartedness"). Cognate with French merci, whence the doublet merci.

In classic literature

Synonyms

clemency, mercifulness

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