E3DA18
Definition of an Emotion — Part III
Latin
Commiseratio est tristitia concomitante idea mali quod alteri quem nobis similem esse imaginamur, evenit. Vide scholium propositionis 22 et scholium propositionis 27 hujus.
Explicatio: Inter commiserationem et misericordiam nulla videtur esse differentia nisi forte quod commiseratio singularem affectum respiciat, misericordia autem ejus habitum.
English (Elwes 1883)
Pity is pain accompanied by the idea of evil, which has befallen someone else whom we conceive to be like ourselves (cf. III. xxii. note, and III. xxvii. note).
Explanation: Between pity and sympathy (misericordia) there seems to be no difference, unless perhaps that the former term is used in reference to a particular action, and the latter in reference to a disposition.
Modern English
Pity is sadness accompanied by the idea of a bad thing that has befallen someone we imagine to be like us. See the scholia of Propositions 22 (E3P22S) and 27 (E3P27S) of this Part.
Explanation: Between pity and compassion (*misericordia*) there seems to be no difference, unless perhaps that pity concerns a particular affect and compassion a settled disposition toward it.