Mercifully

Mercifully

Adverb · /ˈmɜːsɪfəli/

Definition

In a way that shows mercy or compassion; used also as a sentence adverb expressing relief that something bad was avoided or ended sooner than feared.

Origin

From merciful (Middle English merciable, from Old French merciful) + the adverbial suffix -ly. The root mercy traces to Latin misericordia — pity of the heart — from miser (wretched) + cor (heart).