Merciless Meaning and Definition
Merciless
Pronunciation
/ˈmɜːrsələs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Having or showing no compassion or mercy; ruthless or merciless.
Examples
- The merciless heatwave scorched the crops.
- He was known for his merciless tactics in the business world.
Synonyms
- Ruthless
- Heartless
Antonyms
- Merciful
- Pitying
Etymology
The word “Merciless” has its roots in the Old English words “mere” meaning “mercy” and “lēss” meaning “less”, indicating a lack of mercy or compassion.
Usage Notes
The adjective “Merciless” is often used to describe someone or something that shows no pity or compassion, such as a ruthless dictator or a merciless weather system.
Cultural References
The word “Merciless” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, in George R.R. Martin’s book series “A Song of Ice and Fire”, the character Cersei Lannister is described as being merciless in her actions.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “Merciless”, as it is typically used as a standalone adjective.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “Merciless” include “Ruthless”, “Heartless”, “Merciful”, and “Pitying”.
Collocations
Common collocations with the word “Merciless” include “merciless weather”, “merciless critic”, and “merciless warrior”.
Frequency of Use
The word “Merciless” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it is commonly used in formal writing, such as in literature, law, and philosophy.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word “Merciless” include “Merciles”, “Merless”, and “Mericless”.