Sympathy

Definition

Sympathy refers to feelings of pity and compassion for someone else's misfortune, or an understanding and sharing of another's emotions or experiences.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɪm.pə.θi/
• Respelling: SIM-puh-thee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɪm.pə.θi/
• Respelling: SIM-puh-thee

Etymology

The word "sympathy" originates from the Greek "sympatheia," meaning "fellow feeling, community of feeling," which is derived from "syn-" (together) and "pathos" (feeling, suffering). It entered English in the late 16th century, initially conveying harmony or agreement in feelings.

Derivatives

• Sympathetic (adjective)
• Sympathetically (adverb)
• Sympathize (verb)
• Sympathizer (noun)
• Sympathizing (adjective/verb)

Synonyms

• Compassion
• Empathy
• Understanding

Antonyms

• Indifference
• Callousness
• Disdain

Usage

The noun "sympathy" is often used to express feelings of compassion or concern for someone experiencing difficulties. For example, "I offered my sympathy to her after the loss of her pet."

Related Terms

• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
• Compassion: Deep awareness and concern for the suffering of others.
• Solidarity: Unity or agreement of feeling among individuals.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Feelings of compassion or concern for another's misfortune: Denotes care and pity for someone experiencing hardship.
  • Example: "He expressed sympathy for the victims of the disaster."
• A mutual understanding or harmony of feelings: Refers to shared emotions or agreement in sentiments.
  • Example: "There was a strong sense of sympathy between the two colleagues."
• Support or agreement with an opinion or cause: Indicates approval or alignment with someone's ideas or values.
  • Example: "Her sympathy for environmental activism is well-known."