compassion Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering
compassionateness.
noun the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it
pity.

F., fr. L. compassio, fr. compati to have compassion; com- + pati to bear, suffer. See Patient.

Literally, suffering with another; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration.
Womanly igenuity set to work by womanly compassion. Macaulay.
Syn. -- Pity; sympathy; commiseration; fellow-feeling; mercy; condolence. See Pity.