I. -sh(ə)nə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V adjective
1. : marked by compassion, by a ready inclination to pity, sympathy, or tenderness : sympathetic
not cold and blaming … but an older and wiser brother, very compassionate — Sinclair Lewis
there was a murmur of commiseration … the soft and compassionate voices of women were conspicuous — Charles Dickens
2. obsolete : calling forth pity : pitiable
3. : granted because of unusual distressing circumstances affecting an individual — used of leaves and other military privileges
considered for a compassionate discharge because of his domestic difficulties
Synonyms: see tender
II. -shəˌnāt, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to have compassion for : sympathize with : pity
even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fellowmen — John Quincy Adams