Compassion
/kəmˈpæʃən/
Definitions
A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
/kəmˈpæʃən/
Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
She showed great compassion to the victims of the earthquake.
💡 Simply: Compassion is like feeling someone else's pain and wanting to help them. Like if your friend fell and scraped their knee, you'd feel compassion and want to help them clean it up.
👶 For kids: Feeling sad for someone who is hurt and wanting to help them feel better.
More Examples
His compassion for the animals led him to volunteer at the animal shelter.
How It's Used
"The social worker showed great compassion for the homeless family."
"The doctor treated her patients with compassion and understanding."
From Middle English *compassioun*, from Old French *compassion*, from Latin *compassiōn-, *compassiō* 'suffering with', from *com-*, 'with' + *pati*, 'to suffer'.
The word has been used consistently throughout history to describe feelings of sympathy and concern for others' suffering.
Memory tip
Imagine a compass pointing towards 'passion' to help others; compassion guides you to actively care.