merciful

• Qui fait preuve de miséricorde ou de compassion ; clément et indulgent, en particulier envers une personne en son pouvoir.

Showing or having mercy; compassionate and forgiving, especially towards someone who is in one's power.

1. Showing or giving mercyB2formal

   Displaying compassion or forgiveness towards someone who is in one's power, especially towards an offender or enemy.

   clément

   • The judge was merciful and gave the young offender a second chance.
   • She was merciful to her enemies, choosing to forgive rather than punish.
   • A merciful ruler is often loved by the people.

   Synonymesclementcompassionateforgivinggracioushumanekindlenientpitifulsympathetictolerant

   Antonymescoldheartedcruelhardheartedharshmercilesspitilessremorselessruthlessunforgivingunkind

2. Gracious (conventional use for royalty)C1formalbritish

   A conventional term used to describe a monarch or high noble as being kind, lenient, and compassionate.

   Clément (terme conventionnel pour la royauté)

   • The merciful king pardoned the prisoners.
   • Her Majesty, the merciful queen, visited the hospital.
   • The duke was known as a merciful lord to his tenants.

   Synonymesbenevolentbenignclementcompassionategraciouskindlenient