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In reply to the discussion: Is compassion empathy? [View all]

soldierant

(9,304 posts)
6. Compassion id from Latin and
Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:32 PM
Nov 2025

literally translates into Greek as "sympathy." Both mean feeling with.

The closest I can come to a Latin equivalent of empathy would be "impassion." both would mean "feeling inside of" or "feeling internally." But "impassion" as a noun never made it into English. "Impassioned" as an adjective did, but means something a little different. So empathy really is unique - although compassion is close.

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