Compassionate: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.