compassionately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compassionately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action done with compassion or empathy towards others. Example: "She spoke compassionately to the grieving family, offering her support and understanding during their difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time will tell, just as it has long since affirmed the greatness of a play that proves more mournfully, compassionately prismatic with each new viewing.

The Economist

It is hard to imagine, for example, what a compassionately conservative foreign policy would be like.

The Economist

What could be more compassionately conservative than fixing a school system where 80% of the pupils are black?

The Economist

Like the renegade Victorian juries who compassionately acquitted pickpockets, British audiences tend to reward sweet if patently unco-ordinated underdogs while disposing of contestants who are too obviously trying to win.

The Economist

The intention was to treat compassionately those who tried and failed to kill themselves (until that year they risked prosecution) while keeping other obstacles in the path of those contemplating suicide.That fine and difficult judgment is being revisited this week in the House of Lords, in two different ways.

The Economist

Or with his association with the likes of Jerry Falwell (who compassionately laid part of the blame for September 11th on homosexuals and feminists)?

The Economist

The annual synod of the Christian Reformed Church, meeting in June in Palos Heights, Ill., adopted a resolution of repentance for having failed to respond justly and compassionately to abuse victims and asked denominational staff to develop materials to help local congregations deal with allegations of sexual abuse properly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At about this time Kokoschka began his career as a writer, composing several plays that heralded the new Expressionist theatre and expressed his compassionately humanist philosophy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although all bodhisattvas act compassionately, Avalokiteshvara is considered the embodiment of the abstract principle of compassion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their failure to coherently or compassionately address extensive child abuse, the symphysiotomy scandal, and the ongoing mistreatment of survivors of the Magdalene Laundries are clearly more urgent to address than the ability of divorced people to receive communion.

Independent

Speaking on his YouTube channel The Trews, Brand said: "The only option is to treat her compassionately, we can't look at her the way she looks at immigrants, as some sort of weird, disgusting cockroach thing that's dispensable and should be crushed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compassionately" to describe actions or policies that are motivated by empathy and a desire to alleviate suffering. This word can add depth and nuance to your writing when discussing sensitive topics.

Common error

Avoid using "compassionately" in contexts where action is needed more than feeling. Compassion should inspire action, not replace it. Ensure your writing demonstrates tangible support or solutions alongside expressions of sympathy.

Linguistic Context

The word "compassionately" functions primarily as an adverb, modifying verbs to describe actions performed with compassion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English. For example, "treat criminals compassionately while simultaneously cutting down the likelihood of repeat offenses."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compassionately" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adverb that describes actions performed with empathy and kindness. According to Ludwig, the use of "compassionately" is correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to modify verbs, highlighting the compassionate intent behind them. While suitable across various contexts, it is most prevalent in news, media, and encyclopedic content. When using "compassionately", ensure that it aligns with tangible actions, avoiding mere sentimentality. Consider alternatives like "with compassion" or "empathetically" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with compassion

Replaces the adverb with a prepositional phrase using the noun form of compassion.

in a compassionate manner

A more formal and descriptive way of expressing the same sentiment.

with empathy

Substitutes compassion with a synonym emphasizing understanding and shared feelings.

kindly

A simpler and more direct synonym for acting in a compassionate way.

with kindness

Expresses a similar sentiment using the noun form of kindness.

tenderly

Implies a gentle and caring approach, similar to acting compassionately.

mercifully

Suggests showing compassion by withholding punishment or offering forgiveness.

with understanding

Highlights the aspect of comprehension and consideration for others' feelings.

showing grace

Implies acting with elegance and compassion, especially in difficult situations.

with a sympathetic heart

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of compassion, highlighting genuine concern.

FAQs

How can I use "compassionately" in a sentence?

Use "compassionately" to modify a verb, describing an action done with empathy and kindness. For example: "She spoke "compassionately" to the grieving family" or "The organization acted "compassionately" by providing aid to the victims".

What words can I use instead of "compassionately"?

Alternatives to "compassionately" include "with compassion", "empathetically", "kindly", or "tenderly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say 'act compassionately'?

Yes, it is correct to say "act compassionately". The word "compassionately" is an adverb that modifies the verb "act", indicating that the action is performed with compassion.

What's the difference between "compassionately" and "sympathetically"?

"Compassionately" implies a deeper level of understanding and concern, often leading to action, while "sympathetically" suggests feeling or expressing sorrow for someone's suffering. You can act "compassionately" by providing assistance, while you respond "sympathetically" by offering words of comfort.