Kindness vs Compassion
What’s the difference between them?
Kindness
Meaning:
the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
Examples:
1. His kindness towards others was remarkable.
2. She was always willing to go out of her way to offer kindness.
3. We should all strive to show kindness to those we meet.
Compassion
Meaning:
a deep understanding and empathy for another's suffering, accompanied by a desire to alleviate that suffering.
Examples:
1. She acted with compassion when helping the homeless man.
2. He was known for his compassion towards animals.
3. She showed great compassion for her fellow classmates.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Kindness
1. Benignity
2. Generosity
3. Compassion
4. Considerateness
5. Benevolence
1. Cruelty
2. Hostility
3. Indifference
4. Unfriendliness
5. Ruthlessness
Compassion
1. Sympathy
2. Benevolence
3. Kindness
4. Tenderness
5. Solicitude
1. Indifference
2. Disregard
3. Hostility
4. Stinginess
5. Cruelty
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Kindness", "Compassion".
1. Kindness refers to the quality of being friendly, considerate, and generous toward others.
2. It involves acts or behaviors that are gentle, helpful, and aimed at making someone's day better or easier.
3. Compassion is a deeper and more profound emotional response to the suffering or misfortune of others.
4. It involves not only recognizing someone's pain but also feeling a genuine desire to alleviate that suffering.
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Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
Kindness should be used in all situations where you want to show sincere understanding and care for someone else, either practically or emotionally. For example, offering to help someone move house is an act of kindness.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The appropriate context for using compassion is when you want to show understanding and empathy towards someone else’s suffering. For example, offering emotional support to someone going through a difficult time is an act of compassion.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. Kindness is pronounced ‘KIND-nes’ while compassion is pronounced ‘kuhm-PASS-shuhn’.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake people make when using these words is confusing the two. While they are both related to understanding and caring for others, they differ in the way they are expressed. Kindness is expressed through practical actions, while compassion is expressed through emotional support.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. His ________ for the homeless led him to volunteer at the shelter every weekend.
2. Even a small act of ________ can make someones day better.
3. After witnessing the aftermath of the earthquake, she felt deep ________ for the victims and decided to donate.
4. A person with ________ will not just feel sorry for another; they will do something to help.
5. Sarahs ________ towards her classmates made her the most liked person in school.
6. Mother Teresa is often remembered for her immense ________ towards the sick and the poor.
1. His compassion for the homeless led him to volunteer at the shelter every weekend.
Explanation: The act of volunteering at a shelter indicates a deeper understanding and desire to alleviate suffering, which aligns more with the definition of compassion.
2. Even a small act of kindness can make someones day better.
Explanation: This sentence speaks to a general friendly or considerate gesture, which fits the definition of kindness.
3. After witnessing the aftermath of the earthquake, she felt deep compassion for the victims and decided to donate.
Explanation: Feeling deeply for the suffering of earthquake victims suggests a profound empathy and understanding, pointing to compassion.
4. A person with compassion will not just feel sorry for another; they will do something to help.
Explanation: The sentence emphasizes the action-oriented aspect of feeling for anothers suffering, which is a key characteristic of compassion.
5. Sarahs kindness towards her classmates made her the most liked person in school.
Explanation: Being liked because of how one treats others suggests friendliness and considerateness, which relates to kindness.
6. Mother Teresa is often remembered for her immense compassion towards the sick and the poor.
Explanation: Mother Teresas deep desire to alleviate the suffering of the sick and poor aligns closely with the definition of compassion.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.