noun · neutral
mercy
UK/ˈmɜːsi/US/ˈmɜːrsi/MER·cy
compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm
Examples
“The prisoners begged for mercy.”
“The policy was criticized for being merciless towards the poorest families.”
“She appealed to the court for mercy.”
Band 8 sentence
“Although international law aims to protect civilians, reports suggest that some combatants acted mercilessly, showing little regard for humanitarian norms.”
Collocations
- show mercy
- without mercy
- beg for mercy
Word family
Common mistakes
He was mercilessly punished but deserved mercy.→He was mercilessly punished and deserved mercy.
She asked mercy from the judge.→She asked the judge for mercy.
Say it for a higher band
5pity→6compassion→7+mercy
Synonyms
compassion
pity
Easily confused
merciless
“The storm was merciless, destroying homes along the coast.”
Related words
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In -ful / -less
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