mercy

Syllables:
mer·cy
2 syllables
mercy in syllables

About "mercy"

Syllables
2
Letters
5
Language
EN

How to Split "mercy" into Syllables

The word mercy is divided into 2 syllables: mer·cy. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • mer — 1st syllable
  • cy — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of mercy:

  • IPA: /ˈmɜːsi/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. mercy (countable and uncountable, plural mercies)
  2. 1982, Bible (NKJV), Psalm 40:11a

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English mercy, merci, from Anglo-Norman merci (compare continental Old French merci, mercit), from Latin mercēs (“wages, fee, price”), from merx (“wares, merchandise”). Displaced native Old English mildheortnes (literally "mildheartedness"). Cognate with French merci, whence the doublet merci. From Old French mercier.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down mercy into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare mercy with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
mercy 2 mer·cy
Marc 1 marc
marshy 1 marshy
Marco 2 mar-co
markka 1 markka

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to mercy:

mere, Merak, Merck, meres, merge, merit, Merle, merry.

Frequently Asked Questions About "mercy"

How many syllables does "mercy" have?

mercy has 2 syllables: mer·cy. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "mercy"?

The stress is on the first syllable: mer. This means you emphasize the "mer" part when pronouncing mercy.

How do you pronounce "mercy"?

mercy is pronounced as /ˈmɜːsi/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: mer·cy.

Is "mercy" easy to spell?

Breaking mercy into syllables helps with spelling: mer·cy. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "mercy" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.