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View synonyms for compassion

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


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Other Words From

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

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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

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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

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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

That kind of compassion might go a long way toward helping us begin to respond to a hurting world.

It is the kind of compassion espoused by every world religion and every revered religious leader.

But the qualities Mario Cuomo brought to public life—compassion, integrity, commitment to principle—remain in short supply today.

I ask you now for your understanding and compassion: My father needs me at this most difficult time.

Third, Republicans should commit to compassion in action rather than compassion in appearance.

His judges were not likely to feel compassion for him; and they all had strong selfish reasons to vote against him.

The Tories, with Seymour at their head, appealed both to the good faith and to the compassion of Parliament.

Madame Roland preferred to die rather than to owe her life to the compassion of her enemies.

The angry heavens at length took compassion on us and cleared up before sunset.

Their fatal ignorance of our sacred mysteries can only inspire us with tender compassion for our wandering brethren.

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