Learn How to Pronounce mercy

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mercy

Definition:

(nou) leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice (nou) a disposition to be kind and forgiving (nou) the feeling that motivates compassion (nou) something for which to be thankful (nou) alleviation of distress; showing great kindness toward the distressed

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈmɜːsi

Examples:

This act of forgiveness earns the mercy of the gods.

She is the embodiment of god's mercy and the opposite of The Spectre.

The whole image is symbolic of the mercy, forgiveness and love of God.

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mercy

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: mercy

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Common mistakes of mercy pronunciation

  1. Vowel sound confusion: Some learners mispronounce "mercy" as /ˈmɜːrsi/ (UK) or /ˈmɜrsi/ (US), confusing the "e" with a long "e" sound. Tip: Focus on the short "e" sound /ɜ/ to pronounce it correctly.
  2. Stress placement error: A common mistake is placing stress on the second syllable, saying "mer-CY" instead of "MER-cy" (/ˈmɜrsi/). Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable to ensure accurate pronunciation.
  3. Dropping the "r": Some speakers omit the "r" sound, pronouncing "mercy" as /ˈmɜːsi/ (UK) or /ˈmɜrsi/ (US). Tip: Practice the "r" sound to maintain clarity and correctness in your pronunciation.
  4. Inconsistent vowel length: Learners may pronounce "mercy" with varying vowel lengths, leading to confusion. Tip: Keep the vowel sound consistent as a short /ɜ/ to avoid miscommunication.
  5. Overemphasis on the "c": Some individuals stress the "c" in "mercy," saying "mer-cy" with an exaggerated sound. Tip: Ensure the "c" is soft and blends smoothly into the "y" sound, maintaining a natural flow.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "mercy" in American English?

In American English, "mercy" is pronounced as /ˈmɜr.si/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "mur," while the second syllable is a lighter "see."

What is the British pronunciation of "mercy"?

In British English, "mercy" is also pronounced as /ˈmɜː.si/. The main difference is in the vowel sound of the first syllable, which is slightly longer, sounding like "muh" in some accents.

Does "mercy" have a schwa sound?

Yes, in the word "mercy," the second syllable "cy" has a schwa sound, represented as /i/. This means it is pronounced lightly, making it sound like "see."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "mercy"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress on the second syllable, saying "mer-CY" instead of "MER-cy." Remember to emphasize the first syllable to pronounce it correctly.
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