mercy

Opposite of
mercilessness, ruthlessness, cruelty
Frequency

B1
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈmɜːsi/
Etymology

In summary

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.

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