Definitions
- Describing a person who shows no pity or compassion towards others. - Referring to an action or behavior that is harsh and unforgiving. - Talking about a situation or circumstance that is unrelenting and without mercy.
- Describing a person who takes pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others. - Referring to an action or behavior that is intentionally harmful or abusive. - Talking about a situation or circumstance that is unjust or unfair.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions or behaviors that cause harm or suffering.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people, situations, or circumstances.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
- 4Both words imply a lack of empathy or compassion.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Merciless implies a lack of mercy or forgiveness, while cruel suggests intentional harm or abuse.
- 2Motivation: Merciless can be motivated by a desire for justice or punishment, while cruel is often motivated by malice or sadism.
- 3Scope: Merciless can refer to a specific action or behavior, while cruel can describe a broader pattern of behavior or personality trait.
- 4Connotation: Merciless can sometimes have a positive connotation when used to describe someone who is tough or determined, while cruel always has a negative connotation.
- 5Usage: Merciless is less common than cruel and may be used in more formal or literary contexts.
Remember this!
Merciless and cruel are synonyms that describe actions or behaviors that cause harm or suffering. However, merciless implies a lack of mercy or forgiveness, while cruel suggests intentional harm or abuse motivated by malice or sadism. Merciless can sometimes have a positive connotation when used to describe someone who is tough or determined, while cruel always has a negative connotation.
