What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mercy
Example
The judge showed mercy towards the defendant and gave him a lighter sentence. [mercy: noun]
Example
Please have mercy on me and forgive my mistake. [mercy: noun]
pity
Example
I feel pity for the homeless man sleeping on the street. [pity: noun]
Example
Don't pity me, I can take care of myself. [pity: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pity is more commonly used than mercy in everyday language. Pity is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while mercy is more often used in legal or religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mercy and pity?
Mercy is typically associated with formal or serious contexts, while pity is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
