stir compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stir compassion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of evoking or inspiring feelings of empathy and kindness in others. Example: "The documentary aimed to stir compassion among viewers for the plight of endangered species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The star of this tale is Lucrezia Borgia, whose agonies over her older brother's cruelty and her father's disregard for her marital happiness stir compassion for a woman who possesses, in Dunant's telling, more honor than her male relatives, and a strong intelligence she is prevented from fully exercising.

The New York Times - Books

Even images of small children facing deprivation aren't enough to stir compassion in some Americans, if those children are Latin American: last summer after leaked images of children in US Border Patrol processing centers went viral, immigration opponents tried to stop buses filled with families in Murrieta, California, shouting with hatred at those inside.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I'm very sad I sympathized with them (Jews) when I saw the film," said a Shiite woman perturbed that it had stirred compassion in her.

Huffington Post

"My hope is that VR is the tool we need to stir more compassion for one another," said Milk. "I think VR holds the potential to fundamentally change journalism".

Vice

War, politics, crime, terrorism, destitution: all bring out extremes in human nature that make for compelling reading, stir up our compassion, anger or horror – all emotions that make us feel alive and engaged.

The Guardian

My compassion stirred when she said, "I just miss my friends, Mom".

Huffington Post

If technology could allow animals to show us that animals do have future aspirations (imagine hearing your dog say: "I want to play ball"), and that they value their lives ("Don't kill me!"), it is possible that this technology could stir in us deeper compassion for animals killed for meat.

Independent

Here, the presenter's shift from irritation to compassion seem to stir the initial images of the situation.

BMC Family Practice

The murder of a 10-year-old boy this week has stirred a communal sense of compassion and fear, heartbreak and generosity in this racially diverse town, among total strangers as well as those who knew the child.

The New York Times

BEIJING — A  toddler who stirred a national debate on compassion after being run over twice by vans and left lying in a market street in southern China has died a week after the incident, hospital officials in Guangzhou said on Friday.

The New York Times

Anderson's stylistic accomplishments should be acknowledged, particularly the way he sustains an almost Homeric voice, as when Octavian resumes his chronicles: "Here commences my record — taken down in the hope that a record of such a struggle as here impends shall not be found uninteresting to the eye of future curiosity and the heart which thrills with compassion and is stirred by high deeds".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stir compassion" when you want to emphasize the act of initiating or arousing feelings of empathy and concern in others. This can be particularly effective in narratives or arguments aiming to influence emotional responses.

Common error

Avoid using "stir compassion" when a more gentle or passive action is intended. "Stir" implies a more active and potentially forceful evocation of emotion; consider alternatives like "foster compassion" or "encourage compassion" if a less intense approach is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stir compassion" functions as a verb followed by a noun, where "stir" acts as a transitive verb indicating the action of arousing or prompting the emotion of "compassion". Ludwig confirms this structure, showing similar examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stir compassion" is a phrase used to describe the act of evoking or arousing feelings of empathy and concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently used in news and media contexts. While several alternatives exist, such as "evoke compassion" or "arouse compassion", "stir" carries a nuance of actively initiating these emotions. Understanding the context and desired intensity is essential for effective usage of "stir compassion" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke compassion

Focuses on the act of bringing forth feelings of compassion, rather than initiating or instigating them.

arouse compassion

Suggests awakening or exciting feelings of compassion that were previously dormant.

inspire compassion

Implies a higher level of influence, suggesting that compassion is not only evoked but also instilled as a value.

foster compassion

Highlights the act of nurturing and developing compassion over time, rather than a singular event.

ignite compassion

Emphasizes a sudden and powerful surge of compassion.

awaken compassion

Implies that compassion already exists within someone, and the phrase focuses on bringing it to the surface.

generate compassion

Highlights the act of creating or producing compassion where it may not have existed before.

elicit compassion

Suggests drawing forth a compassionate response, often from a specific situation or appeal.

promote compassion

Indicates active encouragement of compassionate attitudes and behaviors.

encourage compassion

Similar to promote, but suggests a more subtle influence in fostering compassionate feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "stir compassion" to describe something that evokes feelings of empathy and concern in others. For example: "The film's portrayal of the refugee crisis aimed to "stir compassion" among viewers".

What are some alternatives to "stir compassion"?

Alternatives to "stir compassion" include "evoke compassion", "arouse compassion", or "inspire compassion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "stir compassion" or "evoke compassion"?

Both "stir compassion" and "evoke compassion" are grammatically correct. "Stir" implies a more active or initiating role in arousing the emotion, while "evoke" suggests bringing forth an already existing feeling.

What's the difference between "stir compassion" and "inspire compassion"?

"Stir compassion" focuses on arousing empathy, whereas "inspire compassion" implies a deeper influence, suggesting the instillation of compassion as a value. Inspiration carries a stronger connotation of moral or ethical guidance.