seek compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek compassion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire to find or request empathy and understanding from others. Example: "In times of hardship, it is important to seek compassion from those around us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

According to Rabbi Bahye ben Asher, also known as Rabbenu Bahaye (Spain, 13th and 14th Century), the fate of the accidental killer is connected to the death of the High Priest because the High Priest "atones for all the people Israel, and it was incumbent upon him to seek compassion for his entire generation, and he did not seek it.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many of those still serving in Afghanistan will come home seeking compassion, only to find new battles in store.

The Economist

"Oh doctor, please," it begins, the narrator a woman seeking compassion from a system that punished these alcohol-abusing, drug-addicted, sexually liberated women "with vagabond ways" for having children too young.

The Guardian

A new book focusing on the emotional struggles of people in the MIT community, however, goes beyond seeking compassion for those with depression; it suggests that we have something to learn from them.

MIT Technology Review

For example, she can't say for sure if simply meeting regularly with a group of other students seeking compassion training or being part of an institution that clearly values compassion could have played a role in this study's positive outcomes.

University of California, Berkeley

Before his sentencing Friday, Seleznev sent a letter to the court, seeking compassion and recalling his childhood: "Most of the time I was home alone and work hard.

Los Angeles Times

Ex-communicated former member of the Westboro Baptist Church Lauren Drain also posted a lengthy statement on her Facebook page that calls on individuals to seek out compassion and peace during this time rather than perpetuating hate.

Huffington Post

It is our hope that this young country and new democracy may well become a model for sustainable growth that can be emulated in other parts of our region, and other parts of the world, as we all seek the compassion, wisdom and courage necessary to face the challenges of the 21st Century.

Huffington Post

Seek their compassion.

WikiHow

Will they recognize my primary feelings as a correspondent the catacomb from which I write to you, seeking some compassion?

The New Yorker

We cannot seek justice without compassion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek compassion" when you want to convey a sense of actively looking for understanding, empathy, or kindness, especially in difficult situations or when expressing vulnerability.

Common error

Instead of saying "compassion is sought", consider "compassion is needed" or "compassion is required" for a more direct and less passive construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek compassion" functions as a verb phrase, where "seek" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object, and "compassion" serves as the direct object. This indicates an action of actively pursuing or looking for empathy and understanding from others, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

38%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek compassion" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, signifying the act of actively looking for empathy and understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a need for emotional support, often in times of difficulty. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions, and finds frequent use in News & Media. Alternatives like "request empathy" or "desire understanding" may be used for slight variations in emphasis, and if the goal is to express needing support from others, "seek compassion" is suitable. In conclusion, while considering the alternatives, the AI's response highlights the suitability and meaningfulness of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request empathy

Focuses on the act of asking for understanding, shifting from a general search to a direct request.

desire understanding

Highlights the internal feeling of wanting understanding, rather than actively seeking it.

look for sympathy

Emphasizes the search for shared feelings, specifically focusing on shared sorrow or pity.

solicit kindness

Shifts the focus to actively asking for kindness, implying a more direct appeal.

pursue empathy

Implies a more active and persistent effort to find empathy.

search for solace

Focuses on finding comfort and relief from distress, rather than explicitly seeking compassion.

want sympathy

Directly expresses the desire for shared feelings, but can sound less formal than "seek compassion".

find understanding

Emphasizes the discovery of understanding, rather than the active pursuit.

hope for mercy

Introduces an element of hoping for leniency or forgiveness, which is a specific form of compassion.

crave empathy

Uses a stronger verb to express a deep yearning for empathy.

FAQs

What does "seek compassion" mean?

The phrase "seek compassion" means to actively look for or request understanding, empathy, and kindness from others, especially during times of hardship or vulnerability.

How can I use "seek compassion" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the difficult loss, she needed to "seek compassion" from her friends and family", demonstrating her need for understanding and support.

What are some alternatives to "seek compassion"?

You can use alternatives like "request empathy", "desire understanding", or "look for sympathy" depending on the context.

Is it better to "seek compassion" or "show compassion"?

The choice depends on the context. "Seek compassion" implies needing support from others, while "show compassion" implies offering kindness and understanding to someone else.