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Sympathy

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Feelings of pity, sorrow, or compassion for someone else’s misfortune or hardship.
2. The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, often leading to emotional support or kindness.
3. A formal expression of condolences or support for someone going through a difficult time.
4. A mutual understanding or harmony between people, often related to shared feelings or emotions.

History and Origin

The word “sympathy” comes from the Greek word sympatheia, derived from sym (together) and pathos (feeling or suffering). The term entered English in the 16th century, initially used to describe the shared feelings of suffering or joy between individuals. Over time, the meaning expanded to include feelings of compassion and understanding for others’ emotional states or difficulties. Today, “sympathy” is commonly associated with expressing emotional support in times of grief or hardship.

Detailed Explanation

Sympathy is the emotional response to the suffering, misfortune, or difficulty of others. It involves recognizing and sharing in the pain or sorrow of another person. While sympathy can be felt privately, it is often expressed outwardly, through comforting words or gestures, to provide emotional support to someone in need. Unlike empathy, which involves deeply understanding and sharing another person’s feelings, sympathy is more about acknowledging their emotions and offering care from a distance. Sympathy is commonly extended in response to life events such as the death of a loved one, illness, or personal struggles. People often express sympathy through actions like sending cards, offering condolences, or helping in practical ways.

Example Sentences

1. She sent a sympathy card after hearing about the loss of his mother.
2. His sympathy for the homeless led him to volunteer at the shelter.
3. The teacher showed sympathy for the student’s struggles with the lesson.
4. We offered our sympathy to the family during their time of grief.
5. She expressed her sympathy by donating to the charity that supported cancer patients.
6. The sympathy in his voice was comforting during the difficult conversation.
7. They received sympathy from friends and colleagues after the accident.
8. His sympathy for animals motivated him to support wildlife conservation efforts.
9. We felt a deep sense of sympathy for the victims of the natural disaster.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Compassion – A deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering, often accompanied by a desire to help.
2. Pity – A feeling of sorrow and regret for someone else’s misfortune, often seen as more passive than sympathy.
3. Empathy – The ability to deeply understand and share another person’s emotions, beyond just feeling sorry for them.
4. Condolence – An expression of sympathy, particularly in response to death or serious loss.
5. Commiseration – The act of expressing sympathy, often by sharing in the sorrow or difficulties of another.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Support – The act of providing emotional or practical assistance to someone in need, often related to sympathy.
2. Understanding – The ability to grasp the emotions or experiences of others, often linked to sympathy and empathy.
3. Kindness – The quality of being considerate and compassionate toward others, often demonstrated through acts of sympathy.
4. Grief – The sorrow or sadness caused by loss, often triggering expressions of sympathy from others.
5. Altruism – The selfless concern for the well-being of others, often linked to acts of sympathy and compassion.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Sympathize – To feel or express sympathy toward someone, showing concern for their feelings.
2. Care – The act of showing concern and support for others, similar to expressing sympathy.
3. Helpfulness – A trait of offering aid or support to others, often motivated by sympathy.
4. Warmth – The emotional quality of being kind and compassionate, frequently associated with sympathetic gestures.
5. Tenderness – A gentle and sympathetic quality in emotional interactions, particularly when showing care for others.

Antonyms

1. Indifference
2. Apathy
3. Disdain
4. Callousness
5. Cruelty