compassion

n. pity, mercy, sympathy

Compassion is best described as an understanding of the emotional state of another; not to be confused with empathy. Compassion is often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another; to show special kindness to those who suffer. Compassion may lead one to feel empathy with another person. Compassion is often characterized through actions, wherein a person acting with compassion will seek to aid those they feel compassionate for.
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Compassion, n a profound awareness of another's suffering coupled with a desire to alleviate that suffering. [more]Compassion - Community and Resources

Noun
1. a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering
(synonym) compassionateness
(hypernym) sympathy, fellow feeling
(hyponym) heartstrings
(derivation) feel for, pity, compassionate, condole with, sympathize with
2. the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it
(synonym) pity
(hypernym) mercifulness, mercy
(derivation) feel for, pity, compassionate, condole with, sympathize with

n. compassion, sympathy, pity