com|pas|sion /kəmpæ ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Compassion is a feeling of pity, sympathy, and understanding for someone who is suffering. □ [+ from ] Elderly people need time and compassion from their physicians.
com|pas|sion|ate /kəmpæ ʃ ə nət/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as compassionate , you mean that they feel or show pity, sympathy, and understanding for people who are suffering. [APPROVAL ] □ My father was a deeply compassionate man. □ She has a wise, compassionate face.
com|pa s|sion|ate lea ve N‑UNCOUNT Compassionate leave is time away from your work that your employer allows you for personal reasons, especially when a member of your family dies or is seriously ill. [BUSINESS ]
co m|pass point (compass points ) N‑COUNT A compass point is one of the 32 marks on the dial of a compass that show direction, for example north, south, east, and west.
com|pat|ible /kəmpæ t I b ə l/
1 ADJ If things, for example systems, ideas, and beliefs, are compatible , they work well together or can exist together successfully. □ [+ with ] Free enterprise, he argued, was compatible with Russian values and traditions. □ Marriage and the life I live just don't seem compatible. ● com|pat|ibil|ity /kəmpæ t I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ with ] National courts can freeze any law while its compatibility with European legislation is being tested. [Also + of/between ]
2 ADJ If you say that you are compatible with someone, you mean that you have a good relationship with them because you have similar opinions and interests. □ Mildred and I are very compatible. She's interested in the things that interest me. [Also + with ] ● com|pat|ibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ As a result of their compatibility, Haig and Fraser were able to bring about wide-ranging reforms.
3 ADJ If one make of computer or computer equipment is compatible with another make, especially IBM, they can be used together and can use the same software. [COMPUTING ]
com|pat|ri|ot /kəmpæ triət, [AM ] -pe I t-/ (compatriots ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your compatriots are people from your own country. □ Chris Robertson of Australia beat his compatriot Chris Dittmar in the final.
com|pel /kəmpe l/ (compels , compelling , compelled )
1 VERB If a situation, a rule, or a person compels you to do something, they force you to do it. □ [V n to-inf] …the introduction of legislation to compel cyclists to wear a helmet. □ [be V -ed to-inf] Drivers are compelled by law to have insurance. [Also V n]
2 PHRASE If you feel compelled to do something, you feel that you must do it, because it is the right thing to do. □ I felt morally compelled to help.
com|pel|ling /kəmpe l I ŋ/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A compelling argument or reason is one that convinces you that something is true or that something should be done. □ A compelling answer was provided in the final session from two different sources.
2 ADJ If you describe something such as a film or book, or someone's appearance, as compelling , you mean you want to keep looking at it or reading it because you find it so interesting. □ …a frighteningly violent yet compelling film.
com|pen|dium /kəmpe ndiəm/ (compendiums ) N‑COUNT A compendium is a short but detailed collection of information, usually in a book. □ [+ of ] The Roman Catholic Church has issued a compendium of its teachings.
com|pen|sate /kɒ mpənse I t/ (compensates , compensating , compensated )
1 VERB To compensate someone for money or things that they have lost means to pay them money or give them something to replace that money or those things. □ [be V -ed + for ] To ease financial difficulties, farmers could be compensated for their loss of subsidies. [Also V n]
2 VERB If you compensate for a lack of something or for something you have done wrong, you do something to make the situation better. □ [V + for ] The company agreed to keep up high levels of output in order to compensate for supplies lost. □ [V ] She would then feel guilt for her anger and compensate by doing even more for the children.
3 VERB Something that compensates for something else balances it or reduces its effects. □ [V + for ] MPs say it is crucial that a system is found to compensate for inflation.
4 VERB If you try to compensate for something that is wrong or missing in your life, you try to do something that removes or reduces the harmful effects. □ [V + for ] Nothing could ever compensate for the pain of being separated from her children.
com|pen|sa|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ mpənse I ʃ ə n/ (compensations )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Compensation is money that someone who has experienced loss or suffering claims from the person or organization responsible, or from the state. □ [+ for ] He received one year's salary as compensation for loss of office. □ The court ordered him to pay £300 compensation.
2 N‑VAR If something is some compensation for something bad that has happened, it makes you feel better. □ [+ for ] Helen gained some compensation for her earlier defeat by winning the final open class. □ There are compensations in moving to the north-east where the quality of life is excellent.
com|pen|sa|tory /kɒ mpənse I təri, [AM ] kəmpe nsətɔːri/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compensatory payments involve money paid as compensation. [FORMAL ] □ The jury awarded $11.2 million in compensatory damages.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compensatory measures are designed to help people who have special problems or disabilities. [FORMAL ] □ Money should be spent on compensatory programmes for deprived children.