Merciful
/ˈmɜːr.sɪ.fəl/noun
Showing compassion, forgiveness, or leniency.
Did you know?Merciful comes from Latin *merces* meaning “wages” or “reward,” so its history is tied to the idea of giving what is due rather than punishment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mer-
“To get a share, receive a reward, or obtain payment.”
Latin
Latin
merces
“Wages, pay, reward, hire.”
Late Latin
Latin
mercīālis
“Relating to pay or reward.”
Old French
Old French
merci
“Reward, favor, grace, thanks.”
Middle English
English
merciful
“Full of mercy; compassionate, lenient.”