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

Example Sentences

“But it was also a way to show compassion.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s a daily obstacle course to get through the world with kindness, compassion, understanding and equanimity.

From MarketWatch

It got me thinking—’tis the season—about good will toward men and the seasonal spirit of kindness, empathy and compassion.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lifesavers wanted to recognise the "tragedy that has unfolded at Bondi while also reflecting on our respect and compassion for the Jewish community targeted by this attack", Bondi's two lifesaving clubs said in a message.

From Barron's

But this is for the kids who – even if they are living in this world overtaken to authoritarianism – are not yet lost and are still energized by compassion.

From Salon

Related Words

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