arouse compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arouse compassion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of evoking feelings of sympathy or empathy in others. Example: "The documentary aimed to arouse compassion for the plight of endangered species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Another was to arouse compassion so that problems addressed by legislative action would win support.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The human way to present goodness and beauty, Dostoevsky thought, was through humour - arousing compassion by ridicule.

The Guardian - Books

They link us to his work and experience, and they arouse our compassion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Both composer and novelist have the gift of arousing our compassion for fallible man - but most particularly the fallible woman.

The New York Times - Arts

In André Gide's French text for Stravinsky, Perséphone goes to the underworld willingly, aroused by compassion for those who dwell there listlessly and bereft of hope — a departure thought to give the work a Christian dimension.

The New York Times - Arts

Simultaneously, the same qualities that arouse our compassion and make these men and women so appealing — their modesty and humility, their bravery and resilience in the face of un­deserved misfortune — began to seem ever so slightly oppressive.

The New York Times - Books

This arouses a healing compassion.

Huffington Post

This terrible tragedy touched a nation, and aroused kindness and compassion in our hearts.

Huffington Post

However villainous Alberich, Mime and Kundry may really be, they are more recognizably human and capable of arousing levels of compassion denied the too often insufferably virtuous Siegfried and Parsifal.

Huffington Post

At a national level, the plight of these flood victims arouses little compassion.

The New York Times

Shock and compassion are aroused in the liberal elements of society, and Alex undergoes hypnopaedic therapy, which restores him to his former "free" condition.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arouse compassion", consider the audience and purpose to ensure the phrase's emotional impact is appropriate. Overuse might diminish its effect, while careful placement can enhance the message.

Common error

Avoid using "arouse compassion" in situations requiring immediate action or practical help, as it emphasizes emotional response over concrete solutions. Instead, consider focusing on the specific needs and actions required to address the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "arouse compassion" is as a verb phrase acting as a predicate where "arouse" is the transitive verb and "compassion" is its direct object. This signifies the action of instigating or evoking a feeling of compassion. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arouse compassion" is grammatically sound and serves to evoke feelings of empathy and understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English and suitable for various contexts, particularly news, encyclopedias and academic writing. While "evoke compassion" and "stir compassion" offer similar meanings, "arouse compassion" is a versatile choice for emphasizing the action of creating empathetic feelings. To use it effectively, consider the audience and purpose to ensure its impact is appropriate. Avoid overuse, and be mindful of situations where practical action, rather than emotional response, is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke compassion

Uses a different verb with a similar meaning to 'arouse', implying a calling forth of compassion.

stir compassion

Employs a verb suggesting a more active and emotional awakening of compassion.

inspire compassion

Focuses on the act of motivating or creating compassion within someone.

awaken compassion

Suggests a more gentle or gradual process of bringing compassion into consciousness.

generate compassion

Highlights the creation or production of compassionate feelings.

foster compassion

Implies nurturing and promoting the growth of compassionate feelings.

elicit compassion

Focuses on drawing out or obtaining compassion from an external source.

ignite compassion

Suggests a sudden and intense burst of compassionate feelings.

invoke compassion

Emphasizes a formal or ceremonial summoning of compassion.

create empathy

Shifts the focus slightly from compassion to the broader concept of empathetic understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "arouse compassion" effectively in a sentence?

Use "arouse compassion" when you want to highlight the act of evoking feelings of sympathy or empathy in your audience. For example, "The documentary aimed to "arouse compassion" for the plight of endangered species".

What are some alternatives to "arouse compassion"?

You can use alternatives like "evoke compassion", "stir compassion", or "inspire compassion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "arouse compassion" formal or informal?

"Arouse compassion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it is most often found in news reports, encyclopedias and academic writing, which tend to be neutral.

What is the difference between "arouse compassion" and "arouse pity"?

"Arouse compassion" implies a deeper understanding and empathy, while "arouse pity" focuses more on sorrow and sympathy for someone's misfortune. Compassion involves a sense of shared suffering and a desire to alleviate it, whereas pity can be more detached.