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# compassion

noun (compassion, uncountable)

«compassion» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for someone who is suffering, together with wanting to help them. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/#m1)
2. (church, ethics) Kindness and care shown to people in need; Christians believe Jesus showed compassion to the sick and poor. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/#m2)

### In the lessons

In ethics and religion lessons compassion is a key value: the Good Samaritan shows compassion to the hurt man. In stories a character's compassion makes them help others even when it is hard. Phrases: «show compassion», «feel compassion for», «with compassion», «full of compassion», «out of compassion».

### Examples

- The nurse treated every patient with compassion. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/#x1)
- Jesus felt compassion for the hungry crowd. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/#x2)
- Showing compassion means helping, not just feeling sorry. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/#x3)
- The Good Samaritan stopped out of compassion. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/#x4)
- She felt compassion for the lost puppy. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/#x5)
- Our school collects food for families, as an act of compassion. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/#x6)
- Touched with compassion, he said to himself: [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/#x7)

### Note

Uncountable. Adjective: compassionate. Similar: empathy (understanding feelings), pity (feeling sorry, sometimes from above). Compassion adds the wish to help.

## In Jewish tradition

In the Prophets and Psalms, compassion is a feeling of deep pity that God has for His people. The Hebrew word is often plural, "compassions."

**Interpretation.** Tradition teaches that God is compassionate and that people should copy God by being kind. The Hebrew word rachamim is linked to the word for womb, showing a parent's tender love. Hosea shows God's heart turning with compassion toward Israel.

### Examples

- And she had compassion on him, and said: 'This is one of the Hebrews' children.' (Torah EXO.2.6, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/C/compassion/#x1)
- that then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the peoples, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee. (Torah DEU.30.3, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/C/compassion/#x2)
- Hath He in anger shut up his compassions?' Selah (Writings PSA.77.10, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/C/compassion/#x3)
- My heart is turned within Me, My compassions are kindled together. (Prophets HOS.11.8, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/C/compassion/#x4)
- Great are Thy compassions, O LORD; quicken me as Thou art wont. (Writings PSA.119.156, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/C/compassion/#x5)

### Note

Uncountable. Adjective: compassionate. Similar: empathy (understanding feelings), pity (feeling sorry, sometimes from above). Compassion adds the wish to help.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «compassion» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/compassion/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«compassion» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/compassion.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «compassion» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/C/compassion/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«compassion» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/compassion.html) on Mova free.