Compassion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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compassion
[kəmˈpæʃən ]
Definition
showing empathy
Compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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compassion |
Compassion involves feeling deep sympathy and concern for someone suffering, with a desire to help or alleviate the pain. It is often used in situations requiring kindness and understanding.
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empathy |
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is used when trying to relate to someone's emotional state without necessarily trying to change it.
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sympathy |
Sympathy means feeling pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. It is often expressed through consoling words or gestures but doesn't necessarily involve experiencing the same emotions.
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mercy |
Mercy is about showing forgiveness or leniency, especially when one has the power to punish or harm. It often carries a sense of authoritative kindness.
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Examples of usage
- He showed great compassion towards the homeless man on the street.
- Her compassion for animals led her to become a veterinarian.
- The nurse's compassion towards her patients was truly heartwarming.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies suggest that compassion can boost mental health and overall well-being.
- Practicing compassion can lead to increased happiness and reduced stress levels.
- Neuroscience has shown that acts of compassion activate brain areas related to pleasure and reward.
History
- Throughout history, many religions promote compassion as a central virtue.
- Figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa emphasized compassion in their teachings and actions.
- The concept has been a key element in various humanitarian movements around the world.
Literature
- Compassion is a prevalent theme in classic literature, symbolizing human connection.
- Characters often evolve through acts of compassion, learning to understand others’ struggles.
- Books like 'A Tale of Two Cities' highlight the powerful impact of compassion in times of hardship.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict characters who show compassion, leading to moments of heroism.
- Shows like 'The Good Place' explore the importance of compassion and ethical living in everyday life.
- Songs and art frequently celebrate transformative experiences of compassion as a driving force for change.
Origin of 'compassion'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'compassio,' which means 'to suffer with.'
- It combines 'com,' meaning 'with,' and 'pati,' meaning 'to suffer.'
- This shows how compassion is about sharing in someone else's pain.
The word 'compassion' originated from the Latin word 'compati', which means 'to suffer with'. It first appeared in English around the 14th century and has since evolved to represent a deep understanding and concern for the suffering of others. Compassion is considered a virtue in many cultures and religions, emphasizing the importance of kindness and empathy towards all living beings.
See also: encompass.
Word Frequency Rank
At #7,138 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 7135 cage
- 7136 faithfully
- 7137 prone
- 7138 compassion
- 7139 benefited
- 7140 diversion
- 7141 nationality
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