German

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Etymology

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From Middle High German mitelīden, first used in mystic literature as a calque of Latin compassiō (compassion), itself a calque of Ancient Greek συμπάθεια (sumpátheia, compassion, sympathy). By surface analysis, mit (with) +‎ Leid (sorrow, suffering). From Middle High German is borrowed Dutch medelijden.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈmɪtlaɪ̯t/
  • Hyphenation: Mit‧leid
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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Mitleid n (strong, genitive Mitleides or Mitleids, no plural)

  1. pity, compassion
    (mit jemandem) Mitleid empfindento feel pity/sorry (for someone)

Declension

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Derived terms

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Further reading

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