1. 仁慈的;宽厚的
    If you describe God or a person in a position of authority as merciful, you mean that they show kindness and forgiveness to people.

    e.g. ...a merciful God...
           仁慈的上帝
    e.g. We can only hope the court is merciful.
           我们唯有寄希望于法庭的宽大处理。

2. （尤指因结束了某人的痛苦或不适）幸运的,有福气的
    If you describe an event or situation as merciful, you mean that it is a good thing, especially because it stops someone's suffering or discomfort.

    e.g. We were told when he was taken to hospital that his injuries were so severe death would be merciful...
           他被送到医院时，医生告诉我们他伤势过重，死亡对他算是一种幸运的解脱。
    e.g. Eventually the session came to a merciful end.
           这次开庭的最终结果令人庆幸。