merciful
word
/ˈmɝsɪfəɫ/
MUR-si-fuhl
/mˈɜːsɪfəl/
MUR-si-fuhl
Definition
Showing kindness or forgiveness to someone, especially when you have the power to punish or harm them. It means being compassionate and not cruel.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to describe people with power (judges, leaders, gods) who choose kindness. Common phrases: 'a merciful act', 'be merciful (to someone)'. Can sound formal or literary. Not used for casual kindness—use 'kind' or 'generous' in daily speech.
Spanish: misericordioso - compasivoPortuguese (BR): misericordioso - piedosoPortuguese (PT): misericordioso - piedosoChinese (Simplified): 仁慈的 - 寬恕的Chinese (Traditional): 仁慈的 - 寬恕的Hindi: दयालु - कृपालुArabic: رحيم - عطوفBengali: করুণাময় - দয়ালু (শক্তিশালী/শাসক)Russian: милосердный - сострадательныйJapanese: 慈悲深い - 慈悲のあるVietnamese: nhân từ - khoan dungKorean: 자비로운 - 관대한(권력자에 대해)Turkish: merhametli - bağışlayıcıUrdu: رحمدل - مہربان (اقتدار والا)Indonesian: penyayang - penuh belas kasihan
Example Sentences
The judge was surprisingly merciful with the teenager.
natural
The merciful king forgave his enemies.
basic
Please be merciful to the poor dog.
basic
God is often described as merciful in many religions.
basic
If you’re ever in trouble, hope that someone is merciful.
natural
She gave him a merciful smile and let him go.
natural