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Compassion vs Overcompensation - What's the difference?

compassion | overcompensation |

As nouns the difference between compassion and overcompensation

is that compassion is deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it while overcompensation is an excess amount provided in one area in an effort to overcome a perceived lack in another area.

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?

    overcompensation

    English

    Noun

  • An excess amount provided in one area in an effort to overcome a perceived lack in another area.
  • Excessive pay or reward provided for work performed.