compassionating
|com/pas/sion/at/ing|
/kəmˈpæʃənət/
(compassionate)
showing empathy
Etymology
'compassionate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'compassio' (from 'compati'), where 'com-' meant 'with/together' and 'pati' meant 'to suffer'.
'compassionate' changed from Latin 'compassio' and Old French forms (e.g. 'compassioner') and entered Middle English as terms related to 'compassion', eventually becoming the modern English 'compassionate'.
Initially, it meant 'to suffer with' or 'to share in another's suffering'; over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'showing sympathy and concern for others'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present-participle form of 'compassionate': showing or feeling compassion; showing pity, sympathy, or concern for someone (used as an action or continuous state).
Compassionating the displaced families, volunteers organized a relief drive.
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Adjective 1
used adjectivally (present participle) to describe someone or something that displays compassion or sympathy.
Her compassionating manner comforted the grieving family.
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Last updated: 2025/11/29 19:41