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.

Synonym Usage

See sympathy.

Other Word Forms

• uncompassion
  noun
• compassionless
  adjective
• 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

See Examples For:

compassion

In a statement announcing her death on Wednesday, Dame Esther's family paid tribute to the "most wonderful mother" and "cherished grandmother" whose compassion would live on through her charities.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

Releasing Mr. Lai would demonstrate that China’s leadership is confident enough to show compassion and that even amid serious disagreements, the two countries can still find room for an act of humanity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026

This could also be an opportunity for them to perform the “love exercise” of having grace and compassion for you, and attuning to your needs more deeply.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

She writes, “The masterstroke of The Disappearers is that James lands the finish, a feat of generosity, compassion, and, as with the rest of this unforgettable book, unconquerable bravado.”

From Slate ● Sep. 9, 2026

Standing before the crowd of mourners was the conciliatory Grabarek of old, the white leader of rare compassion.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

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