compassionate

/kəmˈpæʃənət/adjective

Granted specially because of a serious family situation, such as an illness or a death.

Example sentences

“He was given compassionate leave to attend his uncle's funeral.”
“She applied for a compassionate visa to care for her sick mother.”

This is the sense behind 'compassionate leave' and 'compassionate grounds'. The everyday meaning is simply showing compassion.

Featured as word of the day on March 28, 2026.

Related words

compelTo force into a group or drive together; to round up.compassionA strong feeling of sympathy for people who are suffering, together with a wish to help them.compellingTo force together or into one place; to round up.compassAn instrument with a magnetized needle or electronic sensor that shows which way north is.competeTo take part in a contest and try to win something, such as a prize or position, that others also want.companyA business organization that the law treats as its own person, able to hold property and take part in lawsuits under its own name.