How to pronounce merciful
Say it like MUR-sih-ful. Merciful has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce merciful. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MUR
- sih
- ful
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Merciful pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of merciful
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MUR-sih-ful.
What does merciful mean?
- Showing mercy.
Where does merciful come from?
From Middle English merciful, mercyful, equivalent to mercy + -ful.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying merciful
How do you pronounce merciful?
Say MUR-sih-ful. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɝsɪfəl/. In British English it is /ˈmɜːsɪfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in merciful?
Merciful has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUR). Broken into parts: MUR · sih · ful.
Is merciful pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈmɜːsɪfəl/ (MUR-sih-ful).