sympathy Definition
- 1feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune
- 2understanding between people; common feeling
Using sympathy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sympathy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I have sympathy for her loss.
Example
He expressed his sympathy for the victims of the earthquake.
Example
She showed great sympathy towards the homeless man.
Example
The teacher had no sympathy for the student's excuses.
sympathy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for sympathy
Antonyms for sympathy
Idioms Using sympathy
a vote cast not based on a candidate's qualifications, but out of sympathy for their personal situation
Example
She won the election thanks to the sympathy vote she received after her husband's death.
a phrase used to describe the act of showing understanding or compassion for someone who has done something wrong or evil
Example
Some people argue that the song 'Sympathy for the Devil' by the Rolling Stones is actually about understanding the motivations behind evil actions.
sympathy strike
a strike undertaken in support of another group of workers who are already on strike
Example
The union voted to go on a sympathy strike with the workers at the factory across town.
Phrases with sympathy
Example
I have sympathy for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Example
She received many sympathy cards after her father passed away.
Example
When she saw her friend get hurt, she felt sympathy pains in her own body.
Origins of sympathy
from Greek 'sym' meaning 'together' and 'pathos' meaning 'feeling'
Summary: sympathy in Brief
The term 'sympathy' [ˈsɪmpəθi] refers to feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune, as well as understanding and common feeling between people. It can be exemplified by phrases like 'have sympathy for,' and idioms like 'sympathy vote,' which refers to a vote cast out of sympathy for a candidate's personal situation. 'Sympathy' is often contrasted with 'apathy' or 'indifference.'