milostivost

Milostivost is a Czech noun meaning mercy, compassion, or benevolent treatment shown by someone in a position of power or authority. It can refer to acts of kindness by a person toward others, as well as to the merciful nature attributed to God in religious contexts. In everyday language milostivost often conveys a generous, lenient, or indulgent attitude rather than a formal doctrinal concept; it can describe a teacher’s leniency, a judge’s mercy, or a person’s overall disposition.

Etymology and linguistic notes: the term derives from milost, meaning grace, favor, or mercy, which in turn comes from Proto-Slavic milostъ and is related to the adjective milý, “dear.” The suffix -ost forms abstract nouns. In related Slavic languages there are cognates such as Polish miłosierdzie (mercy) and Slovak milosrdenstvo or milosť, illustrating a common semantic field across the family. In Czech, milosrdenství is often used for the mercy of God, while milostivost emphasizes a gracious or benevolent attitude more broadly.

Usage and nuance: milostivost can denote personal benevolence toward another, sometimes implying indulgence that softens strictness. In Christian theology, milostivost may be invoked to describe God’s merciful character, sometimes alongside milosrdenství as a term for divine mercy. The word sits between everyday kindness and more formal religious or ethical concepts, carrying a humane, compassionate connotation.

See also: mercy; compassion; grace; benevolence; milost; milosrdenství; soucit.