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Compassion vs Expediency - What's the difference?

compassion | expediency |

In obsolete|lang=en terms the difference between compassion and expediency

is that compassion is (obsolete) to pity while expediency is (obsolete) haste; dispatch.

As nouns the difference between compassion and expediency

is that compassion is deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it while expediency is (uncountable) the quality of being fit or suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended; suitability for particular circumstance or situation.

As a verb compassion

is (obsolete) to pity.

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?

    expediency

    English

    Noun

  • (uncountable) The quality of being fit or suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended; suitability for particular circumstance or situation.
  • * Cogan
  • Divine wisdom discovers no expediency in vice.
  • * Whately
  • Much declamation may be heard in the present day against expediency , as if it were not the proper object of a deliberative assembly, and as if it were only pursued by the unprincipled.
  • (uncountable) Pursuit of the course of action that brings the desired effect even if it is unjust or unprincipled.
  • (obsolete) Haste; dispatch.
  • (countable) An expedient.
  • Synonyms

    * (suitability for a circumstance) expedience * expedience

    References

    * OED2 * * *