How Do You Spell AT MERCY?

Pronunciation: [at mˈɜːsi] (IPA)

The phrase "at mercy" is commonly misspelled as "at the mercy". However, the correct spelling omits the definite article "the". The IPA phonetic transcription for "at mercy" is /æt ˈmɜrsi/. The word "mercy" is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, which is represented by the ˈ symbol. The vowel sound in the first syllable is a short "e", represented by the symbol /ɛ/, and the "r" is pronounced with a slight trill, as represented by the /r/ symbol.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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AT MERCY Meaning and Definition

  1. At mercy refers to being completely under the control or power of someone else, with no ability to resist or escape their will. When someone is said to be "at the mercy" of another person or entity, it implies a state of vulnerability and helplessness. The phrase suggests that one's fate or well-being is entirely determined by the whims or decisions of another, leaving them without any means of influencing or altering the outcome.

    This expression derives from the notion of mercy, which is the compassionate and forgiving treatment or disposition shown towards someone who is in a position of vulnerability or distress. To be at someone else's mercy implies that they have the authority or capability to either exercise mercy and show leniency, or to act without compassion and impose harm or hardship.

    In various contexts, the phrase "at mercy" can describe different situations where one is subject to the control or influence of others. It may refer to being at the mercy of nature, meaning being powerless when faced with the forces of the natural world. It can also describe being at the mercy of an opponent in a game or competition, where one's success or failure lies in the hands of another player. Moreover, being at the mercy of economic or political conditions signifies being reliant on external factors that can greatly impact one's livelihood or well-being. Overall, the phrase "at mercy" portrays a state of utter dependence and vulnerability, emphasizing the dominance and control that another person or entity possesses.

Common Misspellings for AT MERCY

  • zt mercy
  • st mercy
  • wt mercy
  • qt mercy
  • ar mercy
  • af mercy
  • ag mercy
  • ay mercy
  • a6 mercy
  • a5 mercy
  • at nercy
  • at kercy
  • at jercy
  • at mwrcy
  • at msrcy
  • at mdrcy
  • at mrrcy
  • at m4rcy
  • at m3rcy
  • at meecy

Etymology of AT MERCY

The word "at mercy" can be understood by breaking it down into two parts:

1. "At" - In this context, "at" is a preposition that indicates a particular location, state, or condition.

2. "Mercy" - The word "mercy" originated from the Old French word "merci" or "mercy" which means "pity" or "compassion". It can be traced back to the Latin word "merces" which means "wages" or "payment".

So, when put together, the phrase "at mercy" refers to being in a position of relying on someone's pity, compassion, or leniency.