compassionate
kuhm-PA-shuh-nuht
Compassionate (adj) means showing genuine concern and kindness toward someone who is suffering. Example: “The compassionate doctor took extra time to comfort the frightened child.”
adj
1
Showing genuine concern and kindness toward someone who is suffering.
"The compassionate doctor took extra time to comfort the frightened child."
"She gave a compassionate response instead of criticizing his mistake."
2
Granted as an exception because of a family emergency, illness, or bereavement.
"He was given compassionate leave to attend his father's funeral."
How to use compassionate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKind and caring toward people who are struggling, or (of leave) granted for a personal emergency.
Common pairings
compassionate leave
compassionate care
compassionate towards
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- compassionates
- Past tense
- compassionated
- Comparative
- more compassionate
- Superlative
- most compassionate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ doctor took extra time to comfort the frightened child.
Etymology
Built from compassion plus the adjective ending -ate.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
uncompassionate
Related words
Rhymes for compassionate
See all rhymes for compassionate →Frequently asked questions
What does “compassionate” mean?
The word “compassionate” means showing genuine concern and kindness toward someone who is suffering. In plain terms, kind and caring toward people who are struggling, or (of leave) granted for a personal emergency.
How do you pronounce “compassionate”?
“Compassionate” is pronounced kuhm-PA-shuh-nuht (/kəmˈpæʃənət/ in IPA).
How do you use “compassionate” in a sentence?
Here is “compassionate” used in a sentence: “The compassionate doctor took extra time to comfort the frightened child.”
What part of speech is “compassionate”?
“Compassionate” is an adjective.
Is “compassionate” a common word?
“Compassionate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “compassionate” have?
“Compassionate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing genuine concern and kindness toward someone who is suffering.
What is the difference between compassionate and sympathetic?
Compassionate implies genuine concern and kindness toward someone who is suffering, often paired with a desire to help, while sympathetic more narrowly means feeling or expressing sorrow for another's misfortune, without necessarily acting on it. A compassionate person tends to offer active support, whereas a sympathetic person shares the feeling.
What is the difference between compassionate and empathetic?
Compassionate emphasizes kindness and concern directed at someone who is suffering, often with a motivation to ease that suffering, while empathetic emphasizes understanding or sharing another person's feelings from their perspective. Someone can be empathetic, understanding how another feels, without necessarily acting compassionately to help.
