C1noun2K

Compassion

UK /["/kəmˈpæʃn/"]/US /["/kəmˈpæʃn/"]/

Definition

a strong feeling of sympathy for people or animals who are suffering and a desire to help them

In simple words: Caring about others and wanting to help them.

Examples

  • to **feel/show compassion**
  • She was known as a hard woman with no compassion, no emotion.
  • In an overworked doctor, feelings of compassion are soon lost.
  • He was filled with overwhelming love and compassion for his wife.
  • I felt no compassion towards her.
  • I survived. Someone or something had had compassion on me.
  • In cities where many people beg, citizens quickly develop compassion fatigue.
  • We were treated with great compassion.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts, such as healthcare and personal interactions. Appropriate in both formal and informal situations. Avoid in cold, business-like environments.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'compassion' as 'comp-assion' – when you share an 'ass' to help others feel better.

Collocations

  • deep
  • great
  • genuine
  • be filled with
  • feel
  • have
  • fatigue
  • compassion  for
  • compassion  towards/​toward
  • with compassion
  • love and compassion

Synonyms

  • empathy
  • kindness
  • concern
  • tenderness
  • benevolence

Antonyms

  • indifference
  • cruelty
  • apathy

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'sympathy' — compassion involves a desire to help, while sympathy is just feeling bad for someone.
  • Using it in a context where coldness is expected, like business communications.
  • Spelling errors, such as 'compation' or 'compassionate' when missing the noun form.