mercy
Opposite of
mercilessness, ruthlessness, cruelty
Frequency
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.
Related words
making allowances
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