French Conversation · Level 144
30 words
French word
miséricorde
Pronunciation
IPA/mizeʁikɔʁd/
Meaning
- feminine nounmercy
Example
Montre-lui un peu de miséricorde.
Show him a little mercy.
More examples
Je lui ai demandé un peu de miséricorde.
I asked him for a little mercy.
Core concept
A person with power softens punishment and leaves room for kindness toward someone in distress.
Common phrases
faire preuve de miséricorde
show mercy
montrer de la miséricorde
show mercy
manquer de miséricorde
show no mercy
Similar words
pitié: A feeling of sorrow for someone facing misfortune or suffering.
compassion: Deep empathy for someone's suffering, accompanied by a desire to help.
Definition in French
Sentiment de pitié et de bonté envers quelqu'un qui souffre, souvent accompagné du désir de l'aider.
Word origin
The French noun miséricorde developed from Old French misericorde, inherited from Latin misericordia, a compound of miser and cor, heart.
Usage tips
- Miséricorde has a religious or literary tone, while pitié and compassion are more usual in many ordinary contexts.
Other meanings
- pitynoun
- leniencynoun
Opposites
- cruautécrueltynoun
- impitoyancemercilessnessnoun
Related words
- miséricordieuxmercifuladjective