mercifully
UK: ˈmɜːsɪfəli | US: ˈmɜːrsɪfəli
adv. in a manner showing mercy or compassion
adv. fortunately (used to express relief)
The word "mercifully" derives from the noun "mercy" (from Latin merces meaning "reward, pity"), combined with the suffix "-ful" (Old English -full, meaning "full of"), and the adverbial suffix "-ly" (Old English -līce). The progression reflects a shift from the concept of "granting pity" to "acting compassionately," and later to a broader sense of "fortunately" in modern usage.
The judge ruled mercifully, reducing the sentence due to the defendant's circumstances.
Mercifully, the storm passed without causing any damage.
She spoke mercifully to the grieving family.
The heatwave ended mercifully after a week.
He sighed mercifully when the painful procedure was over.