compatissant
/kɔ̃.pa.ti.sɑ̃/
The English word compassionate is translated into French as compatissant.
The adjective is used to describe someone who has, feels or shows compassion.
Meaning: having, feeling or showing compassion (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form changes to match the gender and number of the person or thing being described. Use compatissante for the feminine singular, compatissants for the masculine plural and compatissantes for the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and is pronounced /kɔ̃.pa.ti.sɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French, the word compassion can sometimes be perceived as slightly patronizing, as it implies the person receiving it is in a lower or more pitiful position than the giver.
- In a religious or highly formal context, you might encounter the word miséricordieux, which carries a much heavier, almost divine weight of compassion than the standard compatissant.
- The word compatissant shares its Latin root with passion, meaning that to be compassionate is, etymologically, to suffer or feel with another.
Examples in context
- Je pense que Tom est compatissant.I think Tom is compassionate.This sentence uses compatissant to express an opinion about someone's character.Tatoeba #5576617 by Aiji, translation #3171946 by CK
- Ziri est compatissant.Ziri is compassionate.This sentence uses compatissant to state a quality of a person.Tatoeba #10975908 by Amastan, translation #10210008 by Amastan
- Vous autres hommes, vous êtes tous des égoïstes et des sans cœurs, et nous femmes, toujours affectueuses et compatissantes, nous sommes forcées de vous obéir !You men, you're all selfish and heartless, and us women, who are always loving and compassionate, we're forced to obey you!This sentence uses compatissante to describe a group of women.Tatoeba #1929111 by Scott, translation #1930639 by Scott
- La supérieure religieuse est très compatissante envers les personnes souffrantes.The religious superior is very compassionate towards those who are suffering.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing a mutual friend's reaction to a problem.
- EmmaMarc est vraiment compatissant avec tout le monde.Marc is truly compassionate with everyone.
- GabrielC'est vrai, il écoute toujours avec patience.That's true, he always listens with patience.
- EmmaIl a un cœur très compatissant.He has a very compassionate heart.
- GabrielNous avons de la chance de le connaître.We are lucky to know him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compassionate” translations and entries compatissant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
