Need another word for Sympathy? Use these synonyms of Sympathy from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
empathy
compassion
pity
kindness
understanding
tenderness
warmth
solicitude
concern
care
consideration
benevolence
charity
leniency
clemency
mercy
gentleness
softness
humanity
heart
commiseration
condolence
regret
sorrow
regretfulness
commiseration
fellow feeling
rapport
harmony
accord
unity
consensus
agreement
cooperation
tolerance
patience
lenience
forgiveness
understandingness
Meaning of Sympathy
Feeling or showing understanding and care for someone's suffering or problems
Definitions
- The feeling of being able to understand and share the feelings of another person, especially their suffering
- * A feeling of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune
- * A relationship or connection between people based on shared feelings or interests
Etymology of Sympathy
The word "sympathy" comes from the Greek words "syn" (meaning "with" or "together") and "pathos" (meaning "feeling" or "suffering")
It originated in the 16th century, initially used to describe a physical or emotional connection between people, and later developed to encompass a range of emotional responses, including pity, compassion, and fellow feeling
Example Uses
- I felt a deep sense of sympathy for the family who lost their home in the fire
- * The charity works to provide sympathy and support to those in need
- * The doctor showed great sympathy towards her patients, listening attentively to their concerns
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
apathy
indifference
callousness
cruelty
heartlessness
ruthlessness
mercilessness
unsympathetic
unfeeling
unkind
uncaring
unconcern
disinterest
disdain
contempt
scorn
hatred
hostility
animosity
enmity
antipathy
malice
spite
coldness
hardness
brutality
viciousness