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Sympathy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Sympathy is the feeling of understanding and compassion for someone else’s hardship or emotions. It involves acknowledging their pain and offering comfort or support.

sympathy

/ˈsɪmpəθi/ /ˈsɪmpəθi/

Definition:

Feeling of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune; understanding between people.

Synonyms:

compassion, empathy, concern, commiseration

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

indifference, apathy

Common Collocations:

express sympathy, deep sympathy, show sympathy, heartfelt sympathy

Derivatives:

sympathize, sympathetic, sympathetically

Usage Tips:

Use "sympathy" to describe shared feelings of sorrow or support for someone in distress.

Common Phrases:

in sympathy with, out of sympathy, sympathy vote

Etymology:

From Greek "sympatheia," meaning "fellow-feeling," from "syn-" (together) + "pathos" (feeling).

Examples:

  • 1. She showed great sympathy for her friend’s loss.
  • 2. His speech evoked widespread sympathy from the audience.
  • 3. I sent a card to express my sympathy.
  • 4. They acted out of sympathy for the victims.

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