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compassionevole

compassionate

adjective kom-pahs-syoh-NEH-voh-leh Rare

Also means

sympathetic

Usage Note

Compassionevole is a formal or literary adjective; in everyday speech Italians more often use comprensivo (understanding) or empatico (empathetic). It agrees in gender and number (un gesto compassionevole, una risposta compassionevole). Note that the related noun compassione also carries a slightly condescending shade in some contexts — showing pity more than empathy — so choose carefully.

Examples

"Il medico aveva uno sguardo compassionevole."

Natural Translation

The doctor had a compassionate look.

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