Compassionate

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /kÉ™mˈpaʃənÉ™t/
• UK IPA: /kÉ™mˈpaʃəneɪt/

Origin

A pseudo-Latin form of French compassioné, past participle of compassionner ("feel sorry for").

Full definition of compassionate

Adjective

1. Having, feeling or showing compassion; sympathetic.
• SouthThere never was any heart truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate.
2. Of a leave, given to someone because of a domestic emergency.compassionate leave
3. (obsolete) Inviting pity; pitiable.

Synonyms

• ruthful

Verb

1. (archaic) To feel compassion for; to pity, feel sorry for.
• 1903, William Godwin, Caleb Williams Chapter , And yet I could not help bitterly compassionating the honest fellow, brought to the gallows, as he was, strictly speaking, by the machinations of that devil incarnate, Mr. Tyrrel.
• 1895, J. Sheridan Le Fanu, The Evil Guest Chapter , The good Mrs. Mervyn accompanied these words with looks so sly, and emphasis so significant, that Rhoda was fain to look down, to hide her blushes; and compassionating the confusion she herself had caused, the kind old lady led her to the chamber which was henceforward, so long as she consented to remain, to be her own apartment.
• 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, Folio Society 1973, p. 50:The justice which Mr Allworthy had executed on Partridge at first met with universal approbation; but no sooner had he felt its consequences, than his neighbours began to relent, and to compassionate his case ....