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Benevolent vs Compassion - What's the difference?

benevolent | compassion |

As an adjective benevolent

is having a disposition to do good.

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.

benevolent

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having a disposition to do good.
    • Chinese and Eastern mythologies describe dragons as benevolent .
  • Possessing or manifesting love for mankind.
  • altruistic, charitable, good, just and fair.
  • generous.

    • Antonyms

    * malevolent

    See also

    * benevolence * benevolently * benevolentness

    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

    Related terms

    * compatible

    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?

    External links

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