miserere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (literary, historical, religious contexts)Formal, literary, historical, religious
Quick answer
What does “miserere” mean?
A cry for mercy or pity, historically from the opening of Psalm 51 in Latin ('Miserere mei, Deus'), meaning 'have mercy upon me, O God'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cry for mercy or pity, historically from the opening of Psalm 51 in Latin ('Miserere mei, Deus'), meaning 'have mercy upon me, O God'.
Any earnest plea for compassion or leniency; in music, a setting of Psalm 51; in architecture, a small, misericord-like seat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is equally rare in both variants. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British contexts relating to choral music (e.g., Allegri's 'Miserere') or historical literature.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes archaic solemnity. In UK, may have stronger association with cathedral/choral tradition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage. Confined to specialist discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “miserere” in a Sentence
plead/utter/cry [a] miserere [to someone]the Miserere [of someone/something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “miserere” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as a standard adjective.
American English
- Not used as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, musicological, theological, or literary studies (e.g., 'The king's miserere fell on deaf ears.').
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound archaic or pretentious.
Technical
In music: refers to a specific polyphonic setting of Psalm 51. In architecture/history: refers to a ledge for support in choir stalls.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “miserere”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “miserere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “miserere”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He miserered.' – Incorrect).
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where 'plea' or 'cry for help' would be appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'miserary' or 'miseree'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and used primarily in literary, historical, or specialist musical/architectural contexts.
No, it is exclusively a noun in modern English. The archaic phrase was 'to cry miserere'.
Gregorio Allegri's 'Miserere mei, Deus', a 17th-century setting of Psalm 51 for the Sistine Chapel.
In architecture, they are often synonymous, referring to a ledge on a folding choir stall. 'Miserere' specifically can refer to the carved decoration on this ledge. 'Misericord' has the additional meaning of a room in a monastery where rules were relaxed.
A cry for mercy or pity, historically from the opening of Psalm 51 in Latin ('Miserere mei, Deus'), meaning 'have mercy upon me, O God'.
Miserere is usually formal, literary, historical, religious in register.
Miserere: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪzəˈrɛːreɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪzəˈrɛri/ or /ˌmɪzəˈrɛreɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cry miserere (archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Misery' is in 'Miserere' – a cry from misery for mercy.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VOCAL PLEA IS A SACRED TEXT (e.g., 'His speech was a miserere to the council.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'miserere' MOST appropriately used?