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Selflessness vs Compassion - What's the difference?

selflessness | compassion |

As nouns the difference between selflessness and compassion

is that selflessness is the quality or state of being selfless while compassion is deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.

As a verb compassion is

to pity.

selflessness

English

Noun

(selflessnesses)
  • the quality or state of being selfless

    • Antonyms

    * selfishness

    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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