compassion

American  

[kuhm-pash-uhn] / kəmˈpæʃ ən /

noun

1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

   Synonyms:

   clemency, heart, tenderness, mercy, commiseration

   Antonyms:

   indifference, mercilessness

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verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to have compassion for; compassionate.

compassion British  

/ kəmˈpæʃən /

noun

1. a feeling of distress and pity for the suffering or misfortune of another, often including the desire to alleviate it

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Usage

What does compassion mean? Compassion is a feeling of sympathy or pity for others, especially one that makes you want to help them. Compassion is sometimes used interchangeably with sympathy, which most most commonly means the sharing of emotions with someone else, especially sadness. Both words are used in the context of feeling sorry for people who are in negative situations. But compassion is often understood as a feeling that motivates you to help them. The opposite of compassion is often thought to be indifference or cold-heartedness. Someone who has compassion for others can be described as compassionate. Being compassionate typically means you care and you want to help. Example: We should treat people with compassion because that’s how we want to be treated.

Related Words

See sympathy.

Other Word Forms

• compassionless
  adjective
• uncompassion
  noun
• uncompassioned
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of compassion

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English (from Anglo-French ), from Late Latin compassiōn- (stem of compassiō ). See com-, passion

Explanation

If someone shows kindness, caring, and a willingness to help others, they're showing compassion. This is a word for a very positive emotion that has to do with being thoughtful and decent. Giving to a charity takes compassion. Volunteering to work with sick people or animals takes compassion. When you have compassion, you're putting yourself in someone else's shoes and really feeling for them. Anytime a disaster like a hurricane or earthquake hits, others will feel compassion for the victims. When you feel compassion for someone, you really want to help out.

Example Sentences

That’s the same promise Compassion & Choices made in other states before legalization.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

"Regeneratively farmed beef and culled deer can both be part of the solution -- if eaten in small quantities," said Phil Brooke, of animal welfare organisation Compassion in World Farming.

From Barron's • Dec. 21, 2025

Eileen Chubb, a former care worker and campaigner who runs the charity Compassion in Care, said she regularly heard from families and staff frustrated by long gaps between inspections.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

“All are destined to stay at House of Compassion until they have finished school and are ready to be on their own.”

From Seattle Times • May 24, 2024

Compassion, the piece teaches, has a healing and liberating power.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

• benevolence
• empathy
• grace
• humanity
• kindness
• mercy
• sorrow
• sympathy
• tenderness