compassionate and understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compassionate and understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who shows empathy and kindness towards others, often in contexts involving support or care. Example: "The counselor was both compassionate and understanding, making it easier for the students to open up about their struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"I understand that something came up -- these things happen". You're being compassionate and understanding.

HuffPost

They act loving, compassionate and understanding one day and the complete opposite the next.

Forbes

My third and final resolution is to be compassionate and understanding.

Huffington Post

It's the image I carry with me as I seek to contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society.

HuffPost

The other was known as a hard-working cop whom one social worker described as "compassionate and understanding" with mentally ill jail inmates.

Los Angeles Times

After a about a week, you'll find yourself treating people differently, because your attitudes will become more loving, compassionate, and understanding.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Even though business increasingly relies on relationships, trust, and reputation, men are not becoming more compassionate, warm, and understanding.

Harvard Business Review

Lastly, being a compassionate, vulnerable and understanding leader of a team that regularly demonstrates my enthusiasm, passion and love for my work.

Forbes

But we also have to be merciful, compassionate, empathetic, understanding, and respect people to make the best decisions for themselves, and, up until 20 minutes ago, Canadians were not allowed to make the best decisions for themselves because they were prohibited from having this choice".

Vice

I can only strive to be compassionate, loving, understanding, informed, and slow to judge.

HuffPost

We must be thorough if we want to be genuine about our remorse, compassionate in understanding ourselves, and sincere about not repeating the wrongdoing.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, this phrase can highlight a leader's ability to connect with and support their team.

Common error

While "compassionate and understanding" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms depending on the context, such as "empathetic" or "considerate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compassionate and understanding" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies nouns (often people), characterizing them as possessing qualities of both compassion and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compassionate and understanding" is a valuable descriptor, highlighting qualities of empathy and support. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia contexts. While versatile, writers should consider formality and opt for precise terms when needed. Alternatives like "empathetic and considerate" offer nuanced options. By understanding its usage patterns and context, writers can effectively use "compassionate and understanding" to convey genuine empathy and build stronger connections with their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empathetic and considerate

Replaces "compassionate" with "empathetic" and "understanding" with "considerate", focusing on emotional resonance and thoughtfulness.

sympathetic and perceptive

Uses "sympathetic" and "perceptive" to highlight shared feelings and keen insight.

kind and insightful

Focuses on kindness and depth of understanding.

caring and thoughtful

Emphasizes concern for others and careful consideration.

warmhearted and discerning

Highlights emotional warmth and the ability to make good judgments.

benevolent and wise

Uses "benevolent" and "wise" to convey generosity and deep understanding.

humane and sensitive

Focuses on treating others with humanity and being attuned to their feelings.

merciful and tolerant

Emphasizes forgiveness and acceptance of others.

gracious and patient

Highlights politeness, kindness and the ability to remain calm and understanding.

supportive and attentive

Emphasizes providing encouragement and closely paying attention to others' needs.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "compassionate and understanding" in a sentence?

Use "compassionate and understanding" to describe someone who shows empathy and offers support. For example: "The therapist was "compassionate and understanding", helping patients feel safe to share their feelings."

What are some alternatives to saying "compassionate and understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "empathetic and considerate", "sympathetic and perceptive", or "caring and thoughtful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "compassionate and understanding"?

This phrase works well in contexts where empathy and support are key, such as describing healthcare professionals, counselors, or leaders who connect with their teams. It also fits in narratives emphasizing emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

Is there a difference in formality between "compassionate and understanding" and similar phrases?

While generally acceptable, "compassionate and understanding" may be less formal than single-word alternatives like "empathetic" or "considerate" in certain technical or academic contexts. Choose the term that best fits the tone and audience of your writing.