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compadecer

to feel sorry for

verb kohm-pah-deh-SEHR Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Also means

to sympathize with

Usage Note

Compadecer is a c-to-zc stem-changing verb (like conocer): yo compadezco. It is typically used reflexively — compadecerse de alguien — meaning to take pity on someone. The related noun compadecimiento and the adjective compasivo (compassionate) share the same semantic field, but compadecer specifically highlights the emotional response to another's suffering rather than a general disposition to kindness.

Examples

"No podía evitar compadecerse de los refugiados."

Natural Translation

He could not help feeling sorry for the refugees.

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