sympathy

sym•pa•thy

[[t]ˈsɪm pə θi[/t]] n. pl. -thies, adj. n.

1) harmony of or agreement in feeling, as between persons or on the part of one person with respect to another

2) the harmony of feeling existing between persons of like tastes or opinion or of congenial dispositions

3) the ability to share the feelings of another, esp. in sorrow or trouble; compassion; commiseration

4) sympathies

feelings or impulses of compassion or support

5) favorable or approving accord; favor or approval

6) agreement, consonance, or accord

7) phl Physiol. the relation between parts or organs whereby a condition or disorder of one part induces some effect in another

8) cvb acting out of or expressing sympathy:

a sympathy vote[/ex]

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Etymology: 1560–70; < L sympathīa < Gk sympátheia=sympathe-, s. of sympathḗs sympathetic (sym- sym-+-pathēs, adj. der. of páthos suffering, sensation) +-ia -y III syn: sympathy, compassion, pity, empathy denote the tendency or capacity to share the feelings of others. sympathy signifies a general kinship with another's feelings, no matter of what kind: sympathy with their yearning for freedom; sympathy for the bereaved. compassion implies a deep sympathy for the sorrows or troubles of another, and a powerful urge to alleviate distress: compassion for homeless refugees. pity suggests a kindly, but sometimes condescending, sorrow aroused by the suffering or misfortune of others: Mere pity for the flood victims is no help. empathy refers to a vicarious participation in the emotions of another, or to the ability to imagine oneself in someone else's predicament: to feel empathy with a character in a play.