compassion Definition
com·pas·sion (kəm pas̸h′ən)
noun
sorrow for the sufferings or trouble of another or others, accompanied by an urge to help; deep sympathy; pity
Etymology: ME & OFr < LL(Ec) compassio, sympathy < compassus, pp. of compati, to feel pity < L com-, together + pati, to suffer: see passion
compassion Synonyms
compassion Usage Examples
Converse of object
- feel: Can the West feel more compassion for the Iranians than the Iranians themselves?
- deserve: Suicide is always tragic because it cuts life short, but people who suffer hardship and distress deserve compassion.
- show: Eighty four per cent of people said they thought public figures should show more compassion.
- demonstrate: Many men are insensitive to a woman's needs, lack insight, are emotionally naive and demonstrate little compassion.
- express: To win Middle England there is little point in expressing compassion for those children who would be excluded by the Government's reforms.
- have: Are you telling me you have no compassion for these people?
Converse of subject
motivate: This is the first decision he makes motivated by compassion for Verna - all the others are motivated by compassion for Leo.
Adjective modifier
- infinite: And all this without bargain or condition, and unconstrained by any motive save His own infinite compassion.
- genuine: Let's be clear today, following Jesus requires us to receive from Him a genuine compassion for people.
- immense: Apart from being inspired by his great heart and immense compassion for these unhappy people, Dr. Rodocanachi was also acting from another impulse.
- divine: Man's sin was brought into the presence of infinite holiness, a divine compassion and a perfect redemption.
- universal: We are moving toward a universal compassion because, if we do not, we will cause our own extinction.
- deep: Above all, Bishop Victor was a man of deep compassion.
Modifies a noun
fatigue: In Britain today there is no compassion fatigue: in Britain today there is a goodwill mountain waiting to be tapped.
Noun used with modifier
tender: We dare not turn our backs on the tender compassion of Jesus.
Preposition: in
farming: Greens demand compassion in farming: We believe that animals have rights and are not industrial products.
Preposition: for
Browse dictionary entries near compassion
- ‹ compass saw
- ‹ compass plant
- ‹ compass card
- ‹ compass
- ‹ compartmentalize
- ‹ compartment
- ‹ compart
- ‹ comparison
- ‹ compared
- ‹ compare with or to
- compassionate ›
- compatibility ›
- compatible ›
- compatriot ›
- Compazine ›
- compd ›
- compeer ›
- compel ›
- compellation ›
- compelling ›

