SuaviloquyToday’s word

commiseration

Commiseration, n.

Etymology: [F. commis, fr. L. commiseratio a part of an oration intended to exite compassion.]

The act of commiserating; sorrow for the wants, afflictions, or distresses of another; pity; compassion. And pluck commiseration of his state From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint. Shak.

Syn. -- See Sympathy.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for commiseration; he lists it under pity.

Where he writes about it:

Commiseration is as tender as compassion, but more remote and hopeless; we have commiseration for sufferers whom we can not reach or can not relieve. — from pity

Synonyms

pitycompassioncondolencemercysympathytenderness

Antonyms

barbaritybrutalitycrueltyferocityhard-heartednesshardnessharshnessinhumanitymercilessnesspitilessnessrigorruthlessnessseveritysternnesstruculence

etymologyWebster’s online