compassion

[ kuhm-pash-uhn ]

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: tenderness, commiseration, clemency, heart, mercy

   Antonyms: mercilessness, indifference

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to have compassion for; compassionate.

compassion

/ kəmˈpæʃən /

noun

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

Other Words From

• com·passion·less adjective
• uncom·passion noun
• uncom·passioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compassion¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of compassion¹

C14: from Old French, from Late Latin compassiō fellow feeling, from compatī to suffer with, from Latin com- with + patī to bear, suffer

Synonym Study

See sympathy.

Example Sentences

In that way, Oppenheimer brilliantly manages to embed his first work of fiction with as much graceful compassion as his documentary work.

From Salon

Separating this “part” of herself from her capital-S “Self,” allowed her to meet it with compassion and even thank it for protecting her against the threat it had identified in an authority figure.

From Salon

Taking all that into account, the overwhelming trend throughout the U.S., and especially in the wake of the pandemic, is toward rescues and shelters simplifying the process, reducing barriers to adoption and granting the people who come to rescues more compassion, as well as information and support.

From Salon

In her letter, Catherine writes about the importance of compassion, "gentle words or a receptive ear, an arm around an exhausted shoulder, or silently being by someone's side", and "the love that we show ourselves and the love we show others - love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope".

From BBC

It’s a strong start for a story about how, amid hardship and desperation, compassion can wear thin.

From New York Times

Related Words

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