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Compassion vs Forgiveness - What's the difference?

compassion | forgiveness |

As nouns the difference between compassion and forgiveness

is that compassion is deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it while forgiveness is the action of forgiving.

As a verb compassion

is 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?

    forgiveness

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • The action of forgiving.
  • The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. -
  • Readiness to forgive.
  • Synonyms

    * (action of forgiving) remission * (readiness to forgive) mercy

    References

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