Compassion

noun (mass noun)

/kəmˈpæʃ.ən/

A deep awareness of and sympathy for the suffering of others, coupled with a desire to alleviate that suffering.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

A welfare state worthy of the name must temper administrative efficiency with compassion, ensuring that the most marginalised citizens are seen not as statistics to be processed but as fellow human beings whose suffering demands a humane response.

Synonyms

sympathyempathymercypitykindnessbenevolence

Antonyms

crueltyindifferencecallousnessruthlessness

🌱 Word Family

compassion (n), compassionate (adj/v), compassionately (adv), compassionateness (n), compassionless (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin com- = together + patī = to suffer → compatī = to suffer with → compassiō = fellow feeling

📜 Etymology

From Latin compassiō ("fellow feeling"), from compatī ("to suffer with"), from com- ("together") + patī ("to suffer"); entered English through Old French in the 14th century.

🧠 Memory Hook

Com- ('with') + passion (from Latin pati, 'to suffer') = "to suffer WITH" someone — you feel their pain alongside them and want to ease it.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Mains 2022 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Compassion” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🧭 Ethics & Integrity 📖 Seen in: Attitude, Aptitude & Foundational Valu...

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