Compursion

/kəmˈpɜːʃən/ noun

Definition

A term coined in polyamory communities meaning the feeling of joy or happiness when one's romantic partner is with another partner; the opposite of jealousy.

Etymology

A neologism created around 2000s in polyamorous communities, combining 'com-' (together/mutual) + 'compassion' or influenced by 'jealousy' (by analogy). This is modern constructed word rather than etymologically rooted in classical languages.

Kelly Says

Compursion is fascinating because it's a word that *had* to be invented—English had no word for this feeling because monogamous cultures never needed one, showing how new relationship structures create new emotional categories and require new vocabulary.

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