Main Entry: ¹com·pas·sion·ate

Pronunciation: \kəm-ˈpa-sh(ə-)nət\

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