Merciful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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merciful
[หmษหsษชfสl ]
Definitions
in a sentence
Showing mercy or compassion; forgiving.
Synonyms
compassionate, forgiving, kind, lenient.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| merciful |
Used when someone shows a lot of compassion and prevents suffering. Often used in religious or serious contexts.
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| compassionate |
Refers to showing deep sympathy and concern for others' suffering. Commonly used in healthcare or when describing someone's caring nature.
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| kind |
Describes someone who is naturally caring and generous. It is a general term that can be used in many situations.
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| forgiving |
Used when someone is willing to forgive mistakes or wrongdoings. It highlights the act of pardoning someone.
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| lenient |
Refers to being not very strict or severe, especially in dispensing discipline or punishment. Often has a negative connotation when excessive leniency is perceived as weakness.
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Examples of usage
- She was known for her merciful nature towards others.
- The judge decided to be merciful and reduced the sentence.
Biblical context
Characterized by or expressing mercy; compassionate.
Synonyms
clement, compassionate, gracious, sympathetic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| merciful |
Often used in religious or judicial contexts, typically to describe someone who shows mercy, forgiveness, or leniency.
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| compassionate |
Often used to describe someone who shows deep sympathy and a desire to help others who are suffering.
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| gracious |
Commonly used to describe someone who is kind, courteous, and generous.
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| clement |
Usually used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone's gentle or mild nature, or favorable weather.
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| sympathetic |
Used to describe someone who understands and cares about another person's feelings, often expressing empathy.
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Examples of usage
- God is described as merciful in many religious texts.
- He asked for a merciful outcome to his prayers.
in religious context
A person who shows mercy or compassion.
Synonyms
altruist, benefactor, humanitarian, philanthropist.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| merciful |
Used when describing someone who shows compassion or forgiveness towards someone whom it is within their power to punish or harm.
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| benefactor |
Refers to someone who provides help, especially financial assistance, to a person or organization.
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| altruist |
Describes a person who selflessly puts the needs of others before their own, often sacrificing their own interests for the benefit of others.
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| philanthropist |
Describes a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially through generous financial donations to good causes.
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| humanitarian |
Used to describe someone who seeks to promote human welfare and social reform, often involved in large-scale social or political efforts to improve the lives of others.
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Examples of usage
- The merciful are blessed according to many faiths.
- She was hailed as a merciful for her charitable work.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culture
- Many cultures value mercy as a virtue; it is celebrated in religious texts, including the Bible, where mercy is often linked with forgiveness.
- In various philosophies, like Buddhism, mercy is closely associated with compassion and altruism, emphasizing relief from suffering.
- Films and literature frequently explore themes of mercy, showing how acts of kindness can significantly impact characters' lives.
Psychology
- Studies show that practicing acts of mercy can lead to improved mental health, as it promotes feelings of empathy and connectedness.
- Mercy can foster forgiveness, which is crucial for healing personal relationships and maintaining mental well-being.
- Children who are taught about mercy tend to show higher levels of prosocial behavior, such as helping others and sharing.
Religious Significance
- Many world religions emphasize mercy; for example, in Christianity, acts of mercy are seen as central to living a faithful life.
- Islam teaches that God is 'The Most Merciful,' encouraging followers to act with mercy in their everyday lives towards others.
- In Hinduism, showing mercy can lead to positive karma, suggesting that it benefits both the giver and receiver.
Literature
- In Shakespeareโs plays, mercy is often presented as a noble trait, showcasing it as powerful in human interactions.
- The theme of mercy versus justice plays a critical role in works like 'The Merchant of Venice,' where mercy is portrayed as a more desirable attribute.
- Modern storytelling frequently uses merciful characters to provide hope and change in challenging narratives.
Origin of 'merciful'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'mercedem,' meaning 'reward.' It originally referred to kindness shown as a reward.
- In Old French, it transformed into 'merci,' which conveys the idea of grace and compassion.
- The change from 'merci' to 'merciful' reflects the evolution of the word to describe someone who acts out of kindness.
The word 'merciful' comes from the Latin word 'misericors', which combines 'miser' (wretched) and 'cor' (heart), literally meaning having a wretched heart. Over time, it evolved to represent a compassionate and forgiving nature. The concept of mercy and being merciful has been a fundamental aspect of various religious and philosophical teachings throughout history, emphasizing the importance of compassion and forgiveness in human interactions.
See also: merciless.