Sympathy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
❤️
sympathy
[ˈsɪmpəθi ]
Definitions
feeling
Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
Synonyms
compassion, empathy, understanding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sympathy |
When you feel sorry for someone else's misfortune or suffering without deeply sharing their emotional experience.
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| compassion |
When you not only feel sorry for someone's suffering but also have a strong desire to help alleviate it.
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| empathy |
When you deeply understand and share the feelings of another person because you have experienced similar emotions yourself.
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| understanding |
When you comprehend the feelings, situations, or motives of others, often leading to acceptance or support, without necessarily sharing the same emotions.
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Examples of usage
- She felt deep sympathy for the victims of the natural disaster.
- He showed great sympathy towards his friend who was going through a tough time.
support
Understanding between people; common feeling.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sympathy |
Expressed when showing understanding, compassion, or shared feelings with someone, especially in difficult times.
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| rapport |
Describes a close and harmonious relationship where people understand each other well, often used in professional or interpersonal contexts.
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| bond |
Refers to a strong connection or relationship between people, often built over time, signifying trust and mutual support.
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| connection |
Indicates a link or relationship between people, places, or things, which can be either formal or informal. Applies broadly to both emotional and professional relationships.
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Examples of usage
- The team members had a strong sympathy for each other, which helped them work well together.
- There was a great deal of sympathy between the two leaders, which facilitated diplomatic negotiations.
relationship
A relationship or affinity between things in which whatever affects one correspondingly affects the other.
Synonyms
connection, correspondence, harmony.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sympathy |
Sympathy is used to express compassion or sorrow for someone else's misfortune or suffering.
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| connection |
Connection is used to describe a relationship where people feel a bond or understanding with each other.
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| harmony |
Harmony is used to describe a state of peace and mutual agreement, often related to music or relationships.
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| correspondence |
Correspondence refers to written communication between people, such as letters or emails.
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Examples of usage
- There is a certain sympathy between music and emotions.
- The sympathy between the two characters in the novel was evident in their actions.
physiology
The fact or power of sharing the feelings or emotions of another person.
Synonyms
compassion, empathy, understanding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sympathy |
Use when expressing sorrow or pity for someone's misfortune.
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| empathy |
Use when you can understand and share the feelings of another because you have experienced something similar.
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| understanding |
Use when you have the ability to comprehend something, especially someone’s feelings or situation.
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| compassion |
Use when you feel deep concern for someone's suffering and wish to alleviate it.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor showed great sympathy towards her patients, understanding their pain and suffering.
- Empathy is a form of sympathy where one can truly understand and share the feelings of another.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that expressing sympathy can strengthen social bonds and increase feelings of belonging.
- Empathy and sympathy are related but distinct; empathy is understanding, while sympathy is feeling sorrow for someone.
- Feeling sympathy can lead to prosocial behavior, encouraging acts of kindness and support.
Literature
- Many classic novels, like 'Les Misérables', explore themes of sympathy through the struggles of its characters.
- In poetry, sympathy often evokes deep emotional responses, creating connections between readers and the subject.
- Sympathy is a common theme in many children's stories, teaching lessons about kindness and understanding.
Cultural Context
- In different cultures, showing sympathy can vary; some cultures may express it through words, while others may use actions.
- March 11 is recognized as World Plurality Day, promoting empathy in diverse communities as a form of sympathy towards different backgrounds.
- Sympathy plays a crucial role in collective memories and mourning practices across cultures, fostering community support.
Pop Culture
- Many movies use sympathy to drive their plots, as characters show care for one another during tough times.
- Television shows often depict sympathy as a core theme, illustrating how friends support each other through challenges.
- Songs about heartbreak or loss frequently express sympathy, resonating with listeners through shared feelings of sadness.
Origin of 'sympathy'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek term 'sympatheia', which means 'to feel together'.
- It originally described a shared feeling or connection with others' emotions.
- Used in English since the late 14th century, it reflected compassion towards the suffering of others.
The word 'sympathy' originated from the Greek word 'sympatheia', which means 'fellow-feeling'. It entered the English language in the 16th century. The concept of sympathy has been explored in philosophy, literature, and psychology, highlighting the importance of understanding and sharing emotions with others. Throughout history, sympathy has been considered a fundamental aspect of human connection and compassion.