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compassion

compassion

noun kohm-pah-SYOHN Rare

Origin: Latin compassio, from compati 'to suffer with'

Usage Note

Compassion is a near-direct borrowing and carries the same weight as English. Avoir de la compassion pour quelqu'un means 'to feel compassion for someone'. The adjective compatissant ('compassionate') shares the same Latin root.

Examples

"Elle éprouve une grande compassion pour les victimes."

Natural Translation

She feels deep compassion for the victims.

Literal Translation

She experiences a great compassion for the victims.

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