ETYM French, from Latin compassio, from compati to have compassion; com- + pati to bear, suffer. Related to Patient.
1. A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering; SYN. compassionateness.
2. The humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it; SYN. pity.

ETYM Old Eng. merci, French merci, Latin merces, mercedis, hire, pay, reward, Late Lat., equiv. to misericordia pity, mercy. Latin merces is prob. akin to merere to deserve, acquire. Related to Merit, Amerce.
1. Alleviation of distress; showing great kindness toward the distressed.
2. Something for which to be thankful.

ETYM Old Eng. pite, Old Fren. pité, pitié, French pitié, Latin pietas piety, kindness, pity. Related to Pious, Piety.
An unfortunate development; SYN. shame.