Commiserate: meaning, definitions and examples

When you want to express sorrow or empathy for someone's misfortune in a very heartfelt or sincere manner. This term is often used when there's mutual sharing of feelings.

• After he lost his job, his friends gathered to commiserate with him.
• She called to commiserate after hearing about his accident.

Appropriate for expressing understanding and sharing someone's feelings, particularly in situations of grief or distress. This word emphasizes empathy and emotional support.

• I can sympathize with her situation since I've been through something similar.
• They sympathized with the victims of the natural disaster.

In situations where someone needs comfort and reassurance after a loss or a difficult experience. This word is often used when one person gives comfort to another.

• She tried to console her friend after her breakup.
• The team consoled the player who missed the winning shot.

Generally used when you feel sorrow or compassion for someone who is suffering, but it can also have a negative connotation, implying a sense of superiority or condescension.

• He felt pity for the homeless man on the street.
• She doesn't want your pity; she wants your help.