Compassionate
adjective /kəmˈpæʃənət/ — Showing genuine care when others are struggling.
Definition
Feeling and showing sympathy and concern for the suffering or misfortune of others.
Beyond the definition
Compassionate describes people who don't just notice pain — they're moved by it. A compassionate response doesn't fix everything, but it makes people feel less alone in their difficulty.
Origin & history
From Latin compassio — to suffer together (com- 'with' + pati 'to suffer'). Suffering alongside another.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Her compassionate response to his mistake made it easier to admit what had gone wrong.
A compassionate teacher changes what a student believes about themselves.
Being compassionate with yourself is as important as being compassionate with others.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Compassionate” when the meaning fits your context: Feeling and showing sympathy and concern for the suffering or misfortune of others.
Synonyms
caring, empathetic, kind, understanding, humane
Antonyms
indifferent, harsh, cold, callous
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Quiet Care in Recovery
An adult uses a mobility aid while observing a plant that is slowly regrowing after being pruned in a sunlit, quiet conservatory.
The scene displays a compassionate outlook by focusing on the gentle, slow process of healing. By observing the plant's recovery with calm attention, the person demonstrates a reflective concern for the process of renewal and the vulnerability inherent in living things.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Compassionate" mean?
Compassionate is adjective meaning: Showing genuine care when others are struggling.. Feeling and showing sympathy and concern for the suffering or misfortune of others.
Where does the word "Compassionate" come from?
From Latin compassio — to suffer together (com- 'with' + pati 'to suffer'). Suffering alongside another.