Synonym Discussion of SYMPATHY

attraction, affinity, sympathy mean the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together. attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it <felt an attraction to danger>. affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn <an affinity for mathematics>. sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence <two minds in sympathy>.

pity, compassion, commiseration, condolence, sympathy mean the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another. pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress <felt pity for the captives>. compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare <treats the homeless with great compassion>. commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort <murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters>. condolence applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss <expressed their condolences to the widow>. sympathy often suggests a tender concern but can also imply a power to enter into another's emotional experience of any sort <went to my best friend for sympathy><in sympathy with her desire to locate her natural parents>.

SYMPATHY Defined for Kids

sympathy

nounsym·pa·thy\ˈsim-pə-thē\

pluralsym·pa·thies

Definition of SYMPATHY for Kids

1

: sorrow or pity for another <She felt sympathy for the poor lost puppy.>

2

: readiness to favor or support <He expressed sympathy for the protesters.>

3

: a relationship between people or things in which whatever affects one similarly affects the other

Medical Dictionary

sympathy

nounsym·pa·thy \ˈsim-pə-thē\

pluralsym·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