How Do You Spell MERCIFUL?

Pronunciation: [mˈɜːsɪfə͡l] (IPA)

The word "merciful" is spelled /ˈmɜrsɪfəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the "er" sound as in "her" followed by the "s" sound as in "sun". The second syllable is pronounced with the short "i" sound as in "sit" and the "f" sound followed by the "əl" sound. The word means showing compassion or forgiveness, and is often used in religious contexts. Proper spelling of words is important for clear communication and understanding.

MERCIFUL Meaning and Definition

1. Merciful is an adjective that refers to the quality or characteristic of being compassionate, forgiving, and exhibiting kindness towards those who are suffering or in need. It is derived from the noun "mercy," which typically signifies an act of compassion or forgiveness granted to someone who has committed a wrongdoing or is deserving of punishment.

   Someone who is described as merciful possesses a genuine sense of empathy and seeks to alleviate the pain and suffering of others. They show understanding and leniency towards those who may have made mistakes, and are inclined to extend forgiveness rather than punishment. Merciful individuals often display tendencies of patience, sympathy, and generosity, offering assistance and support to those who are less fortunate or experiencing hardship.

   Being merciful also encompasses refraining from inflicting unnecessary harm or punishment. It entails exercising restraint and understanding in situations where retribution or vengeance might be expected. In this sense, a merciful person embodies forgiveness and shows a willingness to give others a chance to rectify their actions or behavior.

   Merciful can also be used to describe actions, decisions, or laws that are guided by compassion and empathy, particularly when it pertains to punishment or judgment. In legal and moral contexts, a merciful judgment might involve showing leniency or granting clemency rather than imposing the harshest possible penalties.

   Overall, someone who is merciful is characterized by their capacity to show kindness, forgiveness, and compassion towards others, particularly in instances where punishment or judgment is typically expected.

2. Compassionate; tender; humane; willing to pity and spare.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for MERCIFUL *

• mercifull 56.25%
• mercyful 37.5%
• mericful 6.25%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for MERCIFUL

• mercafol
• merthful
• mercful
• mercyfull
• murciful
• meaniful
• mercifuly
• merceful
• mercilful
• mericiful
• Dergiful
• Gyriful
• mendibul
• Mercical
• mirciful
• Senciful
• peciful
• perciful

Etymology of MERCIFUL

The word "merciful" derives from the Old French term "merciful" which can be traced back to the Latin word "misericors" or "misericord" meaning "full of pity" or "compassionate". The Latin term is a combination of "miser" meaning "wretched" or "miserable" and "cor" meaning "heart". Thus, "merciful" originally referred to a person who has a compassionate or sympathetic heart towards those in distress or misery.

Similar spelling word for MERCIFUL

• mercifully.