compassion
UK: kəmˈpæʃ.ən | US: kəmˈpæʃ.ən
n. a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering of others, accompanied by a desire to help
n. (archaic) suffering together with another; participation in suffering
compassion = com<together> + pass<suffer> + ion<noun suffix>
- com: Prefix meaning "together" or "with" (from Latin cum).
- pass: Root meaning "suffer" (from Latin pati, past participle passus).
- ion: Noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word "compassion" originates from Latin compassio, meaning "suffering together." It combines com- (together) and passio (suffering), reflecting the idea of emotionally sharing another's pain. Over time, its meaning evolved from literal shared suffering to empathetic concern and a desire to alleviate others' distress. The root pass- also appears in words like "passion" (originally "suffering") and "patient" (one who endures).
She felt deep compassion for the homeless man and bought him a meal.
The nurse treated her patients with both skill and compassion.
His speech called for compassion toward refugees fleeing war.
Buddhist teachings emphasize compassion for all living beings.
The documentary moved viewers to act with compassion.