sympathy

sym·pa·thy

noun \ˈsim-pə-thē\

plural sym·pa·thies

Definition of SYMPATHY

1

a : an affinity, association, or relationship between persons or things wherein whatever affects one similarly affects the other

b : mutual or parallel susceptibility or a condition brought about by it

c : unity or harmony in action or effect <every part is in complete sympathy with the scheme as a whole — Edwin Benson>

2

a : inclination to think or feel alike : emotional or intellectual accord <in sympathy with their goals>

b : feeling of loyalty : tendency to favor or support <republican sympathies>

3

a : the act or capacity of entering into or sharing the feelings or interests of another

b : the feeling or mental state brought about by such sensitivity <have sympathy for the poor>

4

: the correlation existing between bodies capable of communicating their vibrational energy to one another through some medium

Examples of SYMPATHY

1. She went to her best friend for sympathy.
2. Letters of sympathy were sent to the families of the victims.
3. My deepest sympathies go out to the families of the victims.
4. Our sympathies are with them.
5. There was no sympathy between them.

Origin of SYMPATHY

Latin sympathia, from Greek sympatheia, from sympathēs having common feelings, sympathetic, from syn- + pathos feelings, emotion, experience — more at pathos

First Known Use: 1579

Related to SYMPATHY

Synonyms

commiseration, compassion, feeling

Antonyms

callousness, coldheartedness, hard-heartedness, heartlessness

Related Words

condolence, regret; humaneness, humanity, kindheartedness, kindliness, kindness, mercy, pity, ruth, softheartedness, warmheartedness; affinity, empathy, rapport, sensitivity, understanding; altruism, benevolence, benignity, bigheartedness, charity, generosity, goodwill, humanitarianism, largeheartedness, largesse (also largess), magnanimity, philanthropy

Near Antonyms

indifference, insensitivity, unconcern; cruelty, harshness, inhumanity; animosity, antipathy, dislike, hatred, hostility

See Synonym Discussion at attraction, pity

sym·pa·thy

noun \ˈsim-pə-thē\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; sym·pa·thies

Medical Definition of SYMPATHY

1

a : an affinity, association, or relationship between persons or things wherein whatever affects one similarly affects the other b : mutual or parallel susceptibility or a condition brought about by it

2

a : the act or capacity of entering into or sharing the feelings or interests of another b : the feeling or mental state brought about by such sensitivity