Compassion – Meaning in English

Word: Compassion

Part of Speech: Noun
Pronunciation: kəmˈpæʃ.ən
Category: General

Compassion Definition

Compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for someone who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

Usage Notes

Compassion is often used in the context of showing kindness to those who are suffering, or in describing a character trait that someone possesses.

Example Sentences

  • She shows compassion for every person she meets.
  • Compassion is an important virtue to cultivate.
  • He had compassion for her plight.
  • I was moved by his compassion.
  • She had the compassion to offer her help.
  • The nurse showed great compassion to her patients.
  • Compassion is the key to understanding others.

Synonyms (Similar Words)

  • Empathy
  • Sympathy
  • Kindness
  • Mercy
  • Charity
  • Tenderness
  • Humanity
  • Understanding
  • Benevolence
  • Generosity

Antonyms (Opposite Words)

  • Cruelty
  • Harshness
  • Indifference
  • Apathy
  • Coldness
  • Heartlessness
  • Unkindness
  • Meanness
  • Mercilessness
  • Insensitivity

Idioms and Phrases

  • Heart of gold – Very kind, generous, or sympathetic
  • A soft spot – A special fondness or affection for someone or something
  • Bleeding heart – A person who is excessively sympathetic towards others
  • Tug at the heartstrings – To cause strong feelings of affection or sympathy
  • Wear your heart on your sleeve – To openly express your emotions or feelings

Word Origin and History

Compassion originates from the Latin word 'compati', which means 'to suffer with'. It was first used in the English language in the 14th century.