compassion Hear it!

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

n.

sympathy, empathy, clemency; see kindness 1, pity 1. See syn. study at pity.

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

  • suffering: Fourthly we have seeming lack of compassion for the suffering.
  • being: SCULLY: What you showed me was a contemptible lack of compassion for another human being.
  • victim: The lack of care and compassion for the real victims.