Sympathy

/ˈsɪmpəθi/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The feeling of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
She expressed her sympathy to the family who had lost their home in the fire.
Understanding between people; common feeling.
There was a strong sympathy between the two friends, making them inseparable.
Support or approval for an idea or a plan.
The politician received a great deal of sympathy for her proposals on healthcare reform.
An affinity, association, or relationship between things or people.
He felt a deep sympathy for the struggles of the underprivileged.

Etymology

From Greek, 'sympatheia', meaning 'fellow feeling'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

express sympathy
To convey feelings of sorrow or compassion to someone.
feel sympathy for
To have feelings of pity or compassion for someone.
sympathy card
A card sent to express condolences to someone who is grieving.

Related Words

empathy
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
compassion
Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
condolence
An expression of sympathy, especially on the occasion of a death.

Slang Meanings