compassion - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
compassion Word Meanings
- a feeling of sympathy for someone else's suffering
- the ability to care about and understand someone else's struggles
- a desire to help those in need
compassion Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
compassion Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
./kəmˈpæʃən./
US
./kəmˈpæʃən./
compassion Word Etymology
com- = with, passion = suffering; Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a heart reaching out to embrace another heart, sharing in their pain.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I bend toward a friend who’s upset, and I place a hand on their shoulder as I listen. The room seems to move a little slower as I breathe with them, keeping my attention steady. That moment grows into compassion, a quiet decision to stay and care about what they’re going through. I adjust my words and pace, ready to help if they want it, letting the feeling extend into real support.
Real Context
Compassion is a feeling of shared humanity that moves us to acknowledge another person’s pain and to want to help. It blends empathy with action, not merely feeling sorry but offering support, consolation, or assistance. In English, compassion often carries a moral dimension: a call to respond with kindness, generosity, or practical aid. Learners should distinguish it from pity, sympathy, or mere admiration. Its roots lie in Latin and Old French, but in modern usage it frequently appears in humanitarian contexts, charitable speech, and everyday conversations about caring for others. Be mindful of collocations: compassionate toward someone, show compassion, express compassion, or act with compassion in difficult situations.
Usage Reminders
- Compassion involves feeling and action
- Use collocations like show compassion for someone, have compassion for a cause, be compassionate toward someone
- Distinguish from pity and sympathy; avoid religious overtones in neutral contexts
- Use in contexts like caregiving, charity, or social justice
- Prefer active verbs: help, support, assist, advocate when expressing compassion
Common Misconceptions
- Compassion is only a feeling, not action
- Compassion = pity or condescension
- Compassion is the same as sympathy
- Compassion must be religious or moral
- Compassion only applies to close people, not strangers
Thinking Differences
In English, compassion is common in both everyday care and moral discourse; learners often overemphasize feeling and underuse active verbs or fail to distinguish it from pity.
Learning Tips
- Compare compassion with sympathy and pity to spot differences
- Learn common collocations and practice them in sentences
- Practice with verbs that express action (help, support, assist)
- Use real-world scenarios: caregiving, volunteering, advocacy
- Note subtle differences in intensity across contexts
- Listen for tone: compassionate vs patronizing
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'compassion'?
A.Happiness
B.Anger
C.Sympathy
D.Confusion
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'compassion' used correctly?
A.She felt compassion after winning the game.
B.He showed great compassion for the injured puppy.
C.The teacher displayed compassion while scolding the student.
D.They expressed compassion by celebrating together.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'compassion'?
A.Indifference
B.Envy
C.Pity
D.Revenge
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'compassion'?
A.Empathy
B.Kindness
C.Cruelty
D.Understanding
Step 5: Mastery
How can you demonstrate 'compassion' towards others?
A.By listening and offering support without judgment.
B.By ignoring their needs and feelings.
C.By criticizing and mocking them.
D.By being selfish and insensitive.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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