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Cruelty vs Compassion - What's the difference?

cruelty | compassion |

As nouns the difference between cruelty and compassion

is that cruelty is (uncountable) an indifference to suffering or positive pleasure in inflicting suffering while compassion is deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.

As a verb compassion is

(obsolete) to pity.

cruelty

English

Alternative forms

* cruellty (obsolete) * cruelltie (obsolete)

Noun

  • (uncountable) an indifference to suffering or positive pleasure in inflicting suffering.
  • (countable) a cruel act

    • Anagrams

    * cutlery

    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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