Agency Dictionary
Compassion
nounPronunciation: /kəmˈpæʃ.ən/
In Portuguese: Compaixão
Psychology & Mind
Philosophy & EthicsWhat does “Compassion” mean?
Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the genuine desire to alleviate their distress and provide solace.
Etymology
From Old French compassion, from Late Latin compassio, compassionis, "fellow feeling", from compati, "to suffer with", formed from com- ("together") and pati ("to suffer"). The Latin word was built by Christian writers on the model of Greek sympatheia. It has been in English since the 14th century with the sense it still has: sorrow for the suffering of another, joined to the wish to relieve it.
Synonyms
- pity
- sympathy
- mercy
- tenderness
- kindness
- empathy
Often confused with
- empathy
- Empathy is the capacity to feel what another person feels; compassion adds the wish to relieve that person's suffering.
Word family
- compassionate
- compassionately
Rhymes with
- fashion
- ration
- ashen
Usage examples
Michael Imperioli (portrayed Christopher Moltisanti): "Jimmy treated us all like family with a generosity, loyalty, and compassion that is rare in this world.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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