compassionate
/kəmˈpæʃənət/ (bre, ipa) · [kəmpˈæʃənət] /kəmˈpæʃənət/ (ame, ipa) · [kəmpˈæʃənət] /kəm-ˈpa-sh(ə-)nət/ (ame, mw)
compassionate — adjective
- compassionatepositive
- more compassionatecomparative
- most compassionatesuperlative
1. describing someone who notices when others are in pain or difficulty and tries t
describing someone who notices when others are in pain or difficulty and tries to do something useful or comforting for them.
The nurse spoke to the frightened child in a kind, compassionate voice.
collocation: compassionate voice / compassionate words
Salma felt that the judge's decision was fair and compassionate toward the young offender.
pattern: compassionate toward [someone]
After the earthquake, compassionate volunteers from all over the country brought food and blankets.
Many people become more compassionate as they grow older and experience more of life.
His compassionate nature made him a popular teacher who always listened to his students.
- sympathetic
focuses on understanding someone's feelings, while 'compassionate' adds a desire to help
- kind
broader in meaning; 'kind' does not necessarily involve suffering, while 'compassionate' always does
- caring
similar level of warmth, but 'caring' can describe affection in everyday situations not involving suffering
- understanding
emphasises mental awareness of another's situation rather than emotional concern
- cruel
actively causes or enjoys others' pain; the opposite of wanting to help
- callous
shows no concern for others' suffering; cold and indifferent
- unsympathetic
does not share or acknowledge another person's distress
用法筆記
Commonly used before a noun that describes a person (compassionate friend, compassionate doctor) or a quality (compassionate response, compassionate care).
常見錯誤
2. given or allowed because of someone's difficult personal situation, especially a
given or allowed because of someone's difficult personal situation, especially a death or serious illness in the family, as a special arrangement outside the normal rules.
The company granted Ramón three days of compassionate leave after his grandmother passed away.
collocation: compassionate leave
Prisoners may apply for compassionate release if a family member is seriously ill.
collocation: compassionate release
Hiro was allowed to fly home on compassionate grounds when his father entered the hospital.
The visa officer approved a compassionate extension so the family could stay during the funeral.
- special
much more general; 'compassionate' specifically ties the special arrangement to personal hardship
- humanitarian
broader in scope, often used for large-scale crises rather than individual situations
文法句型
compassionate + noun (leave, grounds, release)
用法筆記
This sense only appears before certain nouns — 'leave', 'grounds', 'release', 'visit', 'extension'. It is not used as a general adjective for people or actions. In American English, 'compassionate leave' is less common; 'bereavement leave' or 'family leave' are preferred.
常見錯誤
compassionate — verb
- compassionatepresent simple I / you / we / they
- compassionates3rd person singular
- compassionating-ing form
- compassionatedpast simple
1. to feel or express deep sympathy for someone who is going through a very difficu
to feel or express deep sympathy for someone who is going through a very difficult time, acknowledging their pain as if it were your own.
The old priest compassionated the grieving widow and sat with her in silence.
formal register; rare usage
The queen compassionated the families who had lost sons in the war.
Tariro compassionated her elderly neighbour after his wife passed away, bringing him meals every evening.
Tamás compassionated his friend's struggle but could offer little practical help.
- pity
more common and can carry a slightly condescending tone; 'compassionate' as a verb is more equal and respectful
- empathize with
focuses on understanding rather than feeling; the modern equivalent of 'compassionate' as a verb
文法句型
compassionate + someone
用法筆記
This verb is very rare in modern English. The adjective 'compassionate' is used far more often. For the same meaning, contemporary speakers usually say 'feel compassion for' or 'have compassion on' instead.