Pronunciation: k ə m- ' pa-sh( ə -)n ə t
Function: adjective
Date: 1579
1 : having or showing compassion : SYMPATHETIC <a compassionate friend> <a compassionate smile>
2 : granted because of unusual distressing circumstances affecting an individual ― used of some military privileges (as leave)
– com · pas · sion · ate · ly adverb
– com · pas · sion · ate · ness noun