What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Humane vs Compassion - What's the difference?

humane | compassion |

As an adjective humane

is having or showing concern for the pain or suffering of another; compassionate.

As a noun compassion is

deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.

As a verb compassion is

to pity.

humane

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having or showing concern for the pain or suffering of another; compassionate.
  • It is no longer considered humane to perform vivisection on research animals.
    As methods of execution go, beheading is more humane than drawing and quartering.
  • Pertaining to branches of learning concerned with human affairs or the humanities, especially classical literature or rhetoric.
  • *, II.3.7:
  • many divine precepts to counterpoise our hearts, special antidotes both in scriptures and humane authors, which who so will observe, shall purchase much ease and quietness unto himself.
  • Antonyms

    * inhuman, inhumane

    Derived terms

    * humanely

    References

    * ----

    compassion

    English

    Noun

  • Deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it
  • * 1849 , Robert Leighton (Archbishop of Glasgow), A practical commentary upon the first Epistle of St. Peter (page 47)
  • Oh! the unspeakable privilege to have Him for our Father, who is the Father of mercies and compassions , and those not barren, fruitless pityings, for He is withal the God of all consolations.

    Synonyms

    * empathy, pity, ruth, tenderheartedness, sorrow * kindness, heart, mercy

    Derived terms

    * compassionate * compassion fatigue

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To pity.
  • * 1607 , , IV. i. 124:
  • O heavens, can you hear a good man groan / And not relent, or not compassion him?