March 28, 2026
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.