French word

compassion

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃pasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncompassion

Example

Il a fait preuve de compassion envers elle.

He showed compassion for her.

Illustration for compassion (compassion)

More examples

Il manque de compassion pour les animaux maltraités.

He lacks compassion for abused animals.

Core concept

A person notices another's pain, treats it with dignity, and moves toward relief rather than judgment.

Common phrases

  • manquer de compassion

    lack compassion

  • compassion pour quelqu'un

    compassion for someone

Similar words

bienveillance: A caring attitude that wishes for another's well-being and treats them kindly.
empathie: The ability to sense and share in another person's feelings.
sympathie: A feeling of fondness or goodwill toward another person.
générosité: A generous quality shown by helping others or giving freely.

Definition in French

Disposition bienveillante qui reconnaît la douleur d'autrui sans la mépriser et cherche à la soulager.

Word origin

French compassion comes from Latin compassio, from compati, meaning to suffer with, formed from com- and pati, to suffer.

Usage tips

  • Compassion is feminine, so standard phrases include la compassion and faire preuve de compassion envers quelqu'un.

Other meanings

  • sympathynoun
  • pitynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • compatissantcompassionateadjective
  • compassionnelrelated to compassionadjective

Word lists with this word