Mercy
/ˈmɜːr.si/noun
Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
Did you know?Mercy entered English through Latin and Old French as a word for favor or reward, and in Christian Latin it became tied to the idea of divine grace rather than mere human kindness.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mer-
“to get a share, receive a portion”
Latin
Latin
merx
“wares, merchandise”
Latin
Latin
merces
“payment, reward, wages; later favor or recompense”
Old French
Old French
merci
“reward, favor, thanks; also pity or grace”
Middle English
English
merci
“pity, compassion, forgiveness”
Modern English
English
mercy
“compassion or forgiveness shown to someone under one's power”
Explore more surprising origins