As a Noun: 1. A feeling of pity and sympathy for someone who is suffering. English = compassion. 2. The feeling of compassion you have for someone so that you do not punish them or treat them as severely as you could. English = mercy. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To feel pity and sympathy for someone who is suffering. English = (be) compassionate. 2. To feel compassion so that you do not punish someone or treat them as severely as you could. English = have mercy, (be) merciful.