misericordia
[mɪ.sɛ.rɪˈkɔr.di.a]
The English word 'mercy' is translated into Latin as misericordia.
misericordia refers to forgiveness or compassion. While misericordia is the standard term, clementia can also be used as a more formal expression for mercy.
Meaning: forgiveness or compassion (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word misericordia is a compound of miser, meaning wretched or miserable and cor/cordis, meaning heart. It literally translates to 'having a heart for the wretched'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you need to use the adjective 'merciful', use misericors.
Did you know?
- In Medieval Latin, the word misericordia evolved to describe a small dagger used to deliver a final blow to a wounded knight to end their suffering.
- The root miser in misericordia is a linguistic relative of the English word 'miser', though the meaning shifted from 'wretched' to someone who is 'stingy'.
- The Proto-Indo-European root *ḱerd- found in misericordia is the same ancestor that gave us the English words 'cardiac' and 'cardiology'.
Examples in context
- Beati misericordes, quia ipsi misericordiam consequentur.Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy.This sentence uses misericordia to describe being shown mercy.Tatoeba #5320387 by Martka, translation #5320390 by Martka
- Dux fuisti in misericordia tua populo, quem redemisti, et portasti eum in fortitudine tua ad habitaculum sanctum tuum.In thy mercy thou hast been a leader to the people which thou hast redeemed: and in thy strength thou hast carried them to thy holy habitation.This sentence uses misericordia to describe being a leader in one's mercy.Tatoeba #8053457 by carlosalberto, translation #8053460 by carlosalberto
- Indicabo tibi, o homo, quid sit bonum, et quid Dominus requirat a te: utique facere judicium, et diligere misericordiam, et sollicitum ambulare cum Deo tuo.He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the LORD require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?This sentence uses misericordia to express the concept of loving mercy.Tatoeba #13739660 by rul, translation #13739654 by rul
- Papa Franciscus misericordiam semper docet.Pope Francis always teaches mercy.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius asks Aurelia for forgiveness after a mistake.
- LuciusMisericordiam mihi praesta, Aurelia.Show me mercy, Aurelia.
- AureliaMisericordia mea tibi est, Luci.My mercy is with you, Lucius.
- LuciusGratias tibi ago pro hac misericordia.I thank you for this mercy.
- AureliaNoli de hac re ulterius cogitare.Do not think about this matter any further.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry misericordia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries misericordia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
