Crossword Genius

Compassionate, being English (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

humane

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'compassionate' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'being english' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'being' could be 'human' (human is a kind of being) and 'human' is located in the answer.
'english' could be 'e' (abbreviation) and 'e' is found in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for humane that I've seen before include "Kindly and compassionate" , "Kind and liberal" , "Kind - compassionate" , "Kind-hearted and compassionate" , "Merciful and considerate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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