sense of compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of compassion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express the idea that someone has the ability to empathize with others. For example, "His sense of compassion was evident in the care and respect he showed his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

My sense of compassion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Zuk also had a special sense of compassion and understanding of a ballplayer's nature.

The New York Times - Sports

What they also want from modern government is a sense of compassion and decency.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had a real waspish wit, but with it this tremendous sense of compassion for others.

The Guardian

"I had a sense of compassion for my white peers — awkward, rude, belligerent, spitting.

The New Yorker

"A sense of compassion for what you went through, a sense of responsibility".

The New York Times

They are perverse, intrigued by how we tick and have a deep-rooted sense of compassion.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in a week of hearings, seldom was there any reference to a sense of compassion.

The New York Times

Both share common ground in pursuing social justice and a sense of compassion.

The Guardian

But as Mr. Letts's performance also makes clear, underneath George's seeming mercilessness is a mournful sense of compassion.

The New York Times

"There's no magnanimity, no concession, no sense of compassion or understanding of the plight of some others," Dr. Franklin said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of compassion" to emphasize an innate or developed ability to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly during discussions of social issues, personal character, or ethical considerations. Make sure the context requires a demonstration of empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of compassion" in contexts where practical action or policy changes are more relevant. Overusing it can sound passive or insincere if not followed by concrete steps or solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of compassion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an attribute or quality. This is evident in Ludwig's examples where it's used to describe someone's inherent understanding and empathy towards others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of compassion" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for conveying empathy and understanding towards others. According to Ludwig, it is used across various contexts, but most frequently in News & Media. While simple and direct, it is important to avoid overuse in situations where practical action is required, as that might sound passive. Alternatives like "feeling of empathy" or "capacity for kindness" offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use the expression in contexts where it shows understanding or requires a demonstration of empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of empathy

Replaces "compassion" with "empathy" and "sense" with "feeling", emphasizing emotional understanding.

capacity for kindness

Substitutes "compassion" with "kindness" and focuses on the inherent ability to be kind.

ability to sympathize

Replaces "compassion" with "sympathize", highlighting the skill of sharing someone's feelings.

understanding of suffering

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of understanding others' pain, rather than just feeling compassion.

humanitarian spirit

Emphasizes a broad concern for human welfare, which encompasses compassion.

benevolent attitude

Highlights a general disposition towards kindness and goodwill, which includes compassion.

merciful disposition

Focuses on the willingness to show mercy, a specific manifestation of compassion.

charitable nature

Emphasizes generosity and helpfulness, which stem from a sense of compassion.

tenderness of heart

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of compassion, highlighting the softness and sensitivity.

concern for others

Shifts the focus to active concern and care for the well-being of others.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of compassion" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of compassion" to describe someone's ability to understand and share the feelings of others. For example, "Her "sense of compassion" motivated her to volunteer at the homeless shelter."

What can I say instead of "sense of compassion"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of empathy", "capacity for kindness", or "ability to sympathize" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a sense of compassion" or simply "sense of compassion"?

Both are grammatically correct, but using "a sense of compassion" is more common when referring to a specific instance or feeling, while "sense of compassion" can refer to a general quality or trait.

How does "sense of compassion" differ from "pity"?

"Sense of compassion" involves understanding and sharing someone's feelings, while "pity" often implies a feeling of superiority or distance from the person suffering. Compassion motivates action, while pity can be more passive.