ser misericordioso
1. to show compassion, forgiveness, or leniency toward someone; to treat someone with kindness rather than severity
The judge decided to be merciful and gave the young offender a second chance.
O juiz decidiu ser misericordioso e deu ao jovem criminoso uma segunda chance.
2. to refrain from causing pain or harm; to show clemency
Please be merciful and put the suffering animal out of its misery.
Por favor, seja compassivo e tire o animal que sofre de seu sofrimento.
3. to act with divine mercy or grace
God be merciful to us sinners.
Deus seja misericordioso conosco, pecadores.
In both Brazilian Portuguese and American English, this phrase carries strong religious and moral connotations, often appearing in religious contexts, legal proceedings, and literature. In Brazil, mercy and compassion are deeply valued in Catholic traditions, while in the USA, the concept is often invoked in criminal justice and moral debates.
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