What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
compassion
Example
She showed great compassion towards the homeless man, offering him food and shelter. [compassion: noun]
Example
Having compassion for others is an important trait that can help build strong relationships. [compassion: gerund or present participle]
mercy
Example
The judge showed mercy and reduced the sentence for the first-time offender. [mercy: noun]
Example
Please have mercy on me and forgive my mistakes. [mercy: imperative verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compassion is more commonly used than mercy in everyday language. Compassion is a broader term that covers a wider range of situations, while mercy is more specific and often used in legal or moral contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between compassion and mercy?
Both compassion and mercy can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, mercy is more commonly associated with formal or legal settings, while compassion can be used in various formality levels.
