merciful

mer-ci-ful · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Showing or exercising mercy; compassionate and forgiving toward those in one's power.

  2. 2.

    Providing relief from suffering or distress; bringing welcome respite.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    merciful heavens — an exclamation of surprise or relief
  • •
    be merciful to — to show compassion toward someone

Related words

Antonyms: cruel, merciless, pitiless, ruthless
See also: compassionate, forgiving, merciless, mercy
Synonyms: benevolent, clement, compassionate, forgiving, lenient

Etymology

From Middle English merciful, formed from mercy + -ful. The word mercy comes from Old French merci ("grace, pity"), ultimately from Latin merces ("reward, wages").