merciful
UK: ˈmɜːsɪfl | US: ˈmɜːrsɪfl
adj. showing or exercising mercy; compassionate
adj. characterized by forgiveness or leniency
The word "merciful" combines "mercy," derived from the Latin merces (originally meaning "wages" or "reward," later evolving to "pity" or "compassion" in Christian Latin), with the suffix "-ful," from Old English -full (meaning "full of"). The shift from "reward" to "compassion" reflects the concept of grace as an unearned gift. Over time, "merciful" came to describe someone who actively extends kindness or forgiveness, embodying the essence of mercy.
The judge was merciful and reduced the sentence due to the defendant’s remorse.
She gave him a merciful smile after hearing his apology.
In the story, the king was known for being just but merciful to those who repented.
The teacher’s merciful grading policy helped struggling students pass the course.
His merciful nature led him to donate generously to the homeless shelter.