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Compassionate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compassionate

[kəmˈpæʃənət ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

showing sympathy and concern for others

Compassionate means feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others. It involves a deep awareness of the suffering of others and a desire to alleviate that suffering.

Synonyms

caring, empathetic, kind-hearted, sympathetic, tender-hearted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compassionate

Use when expressing a strong desire to help others and a deep understanding of their suffering.

  • She is a compassionate doctor who always takes extra time with her patients.
  • He showed a compassionate response to the victims of the disaster.
sympathetic

Used when someone shows compassion or sorrow for someone's misfortune.

  • He was sympathetic to her loss and offered his condolences.
  • The teacher was sympathetic toward the struggling student.
kind-hearted

Describes someone who is naturally good, caring, and generous to others.

  • She is kind-hearted and always helps anyone in need.
  • His kind-hearted nature makes him beloved by everyone.
caring

Useful in general situations when someone shows concern and attention towards the well-being of others.

  • She is a caring friend who always listens to my problems.
  • The nurse was very caring toward her elderly patients.
empathetic

Focused on the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

  • He was empathetic to her situation and offered her support.
  • An empathetic leader understands the challenges their team faces.
tender-hearted

Describes a person who is very gentle and sensitive to others’ emotions.

  • She's so tender-hearted that she can't watch sad movies.
  • The tender-hearted boy cried when he saw a wounded bird.

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his compassionate nature, always willing to help those in need.
  • She showed her compassionate side by volunteering at the local homeless shelter.
  • I was touched by the compassionate response of the community to the tragic event.
  • Compassionate individuals often make a positive impact on those around them.
  • His compassionate words brought comfort to those who were grieving.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that practicing compassion can improve mental well-being, leading to lower stress levels and increased happiness.
  • Neuroscience research indicates that compassionate actions activate parts of the brain associated with empathy and reward.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many spiritual traditions, compassion is considered a core virtue, promoting altruism and selflessness.
  • Buddhism emphasizes loving-kindness and compassion as pathways to enlightenment, teaching followers to relieve others' suffering.

Literature

  • In literature, many characters show compassion, often leading to resolutions or personal growth, like Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
  • Compassionate themes are prevalent in fairy tales where heroes help others, showing that kindness can change the world.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Wonder' showcase compassion, illustrating how acceptance and kindness can transform relationships and communities.
  • Many modern influencers advocate for compassion as a way to address social issues and connect people across differences.

Origin of 'compassionate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'compassio', which means 'to suffer with', highlighting a shared emotional experience.
  • It combines 'com-' (with) and 'passio' (suffering), reflecting the idea of connecting with others in their pain.

The word 'compassionate' has its origins in the Latin word 'compati', which means to suffer together. It was first recorded in English in the 15th century. The concept of compassion has deep roots in various philosophies and religions, emphasizing the importance of empathy and kindness towards others. Being compassionate is seen as a noble trait that leads to a more harmonious and understanding society.

See also: compassionately.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,296, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.