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Compassion vs Sympathetic - What's the difference?

compassion | sympathetic |

As a noun compassion

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

As a verb compassion

is (obsolete) to pity.

As an adjective sympathetic is

of, related to, showing, or characterized by sympathy.

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

    * * ----

    sympathetic

    English

    Alternative forms

    * sympathetick (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of, related to, showing, or characterized by sympathy.
    • John looked very upset. I gave him a sympathetic look.
  • Of or relating to similarity.
    • Sympathetic magic is based on imitation or correspondence.

    Antonyms

    * unsympathetic

    Derived terms

    * parasympathetic nervous system * sympathetic nervous system