sympathy

[ˈsɪmpəθi]

sympathy Definition

• 1. feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune
• 2. understanding 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

• compassion
• empathy
• commiseration
• pity
• condolence

Antonyms for sympathy

• apathy
• indifference

Idioms Using sympathy

• sympathy vote

  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.

• sympathy for the devil

  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

• have sympathy for

  to feel compassion or understanding for someone's situation

  Example

  I have sympathy for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

• sympathy card

  a card sent to express condolences or sympathy

  Example

  She received many sympathy cards after her father passed away.

• sympathy pains

  physical discomfort felt in response to someone else's pain or discomfort

  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'

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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.'