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   mercy

   /ˈməːsi/

   noun

   • 1. compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm: "the boy was screaming and begging for mercy" Similar leniencylenienceclemencycompassiongracepitycharityforgivenessforbearancequarterhumanityhumanenesshumanitarianismmildnesssoft-heartednesstender-heartednesskindnesssympathyliberalityindulgencetolerancegenerositymagnanimitybeneficenceOpposite ruthlessnesscrueltyinhumanity
   • ▪ an event to be grateful for, because it prevents something unpleasant or provides relief from suffering: "his death was in a way a mercy" Similar blessinggodsendboonfavourpiece/stroke of luck
   • ▪ (especially of a journey or mission) performed out of a desire to relieve suffering: "mercy missions to refugees caught up in the fighting"

   exclamation

   • 1. used in expressions of surprise or fear: archaic "‘Mercy me!’ uttered Mrs Diggory"

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French merci ‘pity’ or ‘thanks’, from Latin merces, merced- ‘reward’, in Christian Latin ‘pity, favour, heavenly reward’.

   Scrabble Points: 12

   • M

     3

   • E

     1

   • R

     1

   • C

     3

   • Y

     4

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