mercenary — a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɜːrsəneri/
Example Sentences
- The king hired mercenaries because his own army was too small to defend the castle.
- She accused him of being mercenary, caring only about his salary increase.
- The mercenary switched sides three times during the war, always following the highest bidder.
mercenary
NOUN[/ˈmɜːrsəneri/]
a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army
The mercenary sold his sword to the highest bidder without loyalty.
The mercenary meets the missionary, no longer stationary.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'mercenarius' meaning 'hired for wages,' derived from 'merces' meaning 'reward' or 'payment.' The word ultimately traces back to Indo-European roots related to commerce and exchange.
Breakdown
merces (Latin: payment/wages) + -arius (Latin: -ary, adjective suffix meaning 'of or relating to') = mercenary (one who serves for payment)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The king hired mercenaries because his own army was too small to defend the castle.”
“She accused him of being mercenary, caring only about his salary increase.”
“The mercenary switched sides three times during the war, always following the highest bidder.”
“Unlike the passionate volunteers, the mercenary doctor only worked in wealthy neighborhoods.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.