compassionate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'compassionate' is correct and usable in written English.
It generally means to feel sympathetic towards someone and to empathize with their suffering. You can use it in any situation where you are discussing someone's empathy or sympathy towards someone else or a situation. Example: The nurse was extremely compassionate towards the elderly patient, seeing to her needs and offering her comfort despite her own busy schedule.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reaction is always kind and compassionate.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We've got to explain why they are compassionate too".

The Economist

"I would ask them: is it compassionate to leave people on the dole for years with no incentive to get into work?" he said.

The Guardian

So, if we are going to be tough on border protection to avoid people drowning at sea, we also need to be compassionate by increasing the humanitarian refugee intake.

The Guardian

So there will always be dispute about "compassionate" priorities.

The Guardian

I was talking to some pretty serious people there, but I was being compassionate to all sides".

The Guardian

The young Cameron swore to "let sunshine win the day", and nobody beamed the optimistic, inclusive rays of compassionate Conservatism quite like Gove.

The Guardian

However the papers do repeatedly show the British government formally saying it is for the Scottish executive to decide if Megrahi should be released on compassionate grounds, or under the prisoner transfer agreement signed by the British with the Libyans.

The Guardian

That fisherman was sent home on "compassionate" grounds without charge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Collective leadership, which is what the system leaders profiled here demonstrate, becomes part of how we grow and nurture a culture in which staff at all levels can work with patients and service users to deliver high-quality and compassionate care.

The Guardian

I spent a year working in the poetry industry, if you can call it that, as an office assistant, and I promise you that advertising, the music industry and journalism have all turned out to be quite compassionate places to work in comparison.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing institutional policies or actions, use "compassionate" to emphasize the human element and ethical considerations behind the decision-making process. For example, "The company offered a compassionate severance package to its employees."

Common error

Avoid using "compassionate" as a blanket term for any act of kindness. Ensure the context specifically involves empathy and a deep understanding of another's suffering to warrant its use. Other words like "kind", "helpful", or "considerate" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compassionate" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something as having or showing empathy and concern for others. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conveys the presence of sympathy and understanding. The many examples show its descriptive use in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compassionate" is a highly versatile adjective used to describe empathy, understanding, and concern for others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It is frequently used in news, media, and professional contexts to highlight acts of kindness, empathy, and benevolent decision-making. While the term is generally appropriate, avoid overuse by selecting other adjectives, such as "kind", "considerate", or "helpful", to avoid repetitive writing. When used correctly, "compassionate" can add a significant layer of depth, meaning and accuracy to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sympathetic

Focuses on sharing the feelings of another, especially in sorrow or trouble; emphasizes understanding and emotional resonance.

caring

Highlights concern and practical help given to others; emphasizes active support and nurturing.

empathetic

Stresses the ability to understand and share the feelings of another; implies deep insight and emotional connection.

benevolent

Emphasizes goodwill and kindness in action; suggests a desire to do good and promote welfare.

merciful

Highlights the act of showing forgiveness or leniency, especially to someone deserving punishment; emphasizes restraint and clemency.

humane

Focuses on treating others with kindness, respect, and dignity; implies adherence to moral principles and concern for well-being.

tenderhearted

Highlights a gentle and sensitive nature, prone to emotional responses and empathy; emphasizes emotional vulnerability.

kindhearted

Focuses on having a naturally kind and generous disposition; emphasizes inherent goodness and warmth.

understanding

Emphasizes the ability to comprehend and appreciate the situation or feelings of another; stresses intellectual and emotional grasp.

gracious

Highlights elegance and kindness in behavior, especially towards those less fortunate; emphasizes politeness and generosity of spirit.

FAQs

How can I use "compassionate" in a sentence?

You can use "compassionate" to describe someone who shows empathy and understanding towards others. For example, "She was a compassionate nurse who always went the extra mile for her patients."

What words can I use instead of "compassionate"?

You can use alternatives like "sympathetic", "caring", or "empathetic" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a compassionate person"?

Yes, "compassionate person" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone who exhibits compassion.

What's the difference between "compassionate" and "kind"?

"Compassionate" implies a deeper understanding and empathy towards someone's suffering, while "kind" generally refers to being friendly, generous, or considerate.