mercy
Translation
mercy, pity, clemency
Examples
The judge showed mercy to the defendant.
The judge showed mercy to the defendant.
He begged for mercy.
He begged for mercy.
She is at the mercy of her captors.
She is at the mercy of her captors.
Grammar Patterns
((to show)) mercy ((to sb.)) to show compassion to someone The king showed mercy to the prisoners.
((to have)) mercy ((on sb.)) to be compassionate towards someone Have mercy on me!
((to be at the mercy of sb./sth.)) to be in the power of someone/something The ship was at the mercy of the storm.
Similar Words
Synonyms: compassion, clemency, leniency; Antonyms: cruelty, harshness
Etymology
From Old French 'merci' (reward, kindness), from Latin 'merces' (reward). The sense evolved from 'a reward from God' to 'pity'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone crying, 'Have mercy on me!' It's a plea for kindness instead of punishment.