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: clemency, heart, tenderness, mercy, commiseration
   Antonyms: indifference, mercilessness

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 Word Forms

• compassionless adjective
• uncompassion noun
• uncompassioned 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

Patients said while some were "hardworking" and "supportive", others had little experience with mental health issues and sometimes lacked compassion.

From BBC

Councillor Thalia Marrington, portfolio holder for community safety and public health, said the the council had "a responsibility" to respond to the public health report with "urgency, compassion and ambition".

From BBC

His gaming know-how, unwavering compassion and ability to understand others’ motives led to Arisu ultimately winning the games.

From Salon

There is a day of the week, however, where she shows herself compassion and makes an exception.

From Los Angeles Times

He spent the previous night on the steps and asked for compassion from nearby residents.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• benevolence 
• empathy 
• grace 
• humanity 
• kindness 
• mercy 
• sorrow 
• sympathy 
• tenderness www.thesaurus.com

When To Use

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.