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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Sympathy: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：feeling of compassion (sympathy)

sympathy 🔊

/ˈsɪmpəθi/

The feeling of being sorry for someone who is in a bad situation; feeling sad for their troubles.

Sympathy illustrated by a comforting hand on a shoulder, showing compassion and emotional support.

feeling of compassion 🔊

➕

/ˈfiːlɪŋ əv kəmˈpæʃən/

The emotional response of understanding and sharing in the sadness or distress of another person.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'syn-' (with) + 'pathos' (feeling, suffering). Literally 'fellow feeling'.

💡 Mnemonic

Remember: 'sym' (like 'same') + 'pathy' (like 'empathy' or 'feeling') = having similar feelings.

📖 Example

When she told me her pet passed away, I felt great sympathy for her. 🔊 When she told me her pet passed away, I felt great feeling of compassion for her.

🔗 Collocations

express sympathy – to show one's feelings of sorrow for another's misfortune

deep sympathy – strong feelings of compassion

sympathy for – compassion directed towards someone or something

🔄 Synonyms

compassion (n.) – A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a desire to alleviate the suffering.

pity (n.) – The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others.

empathy (n.) – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

🚫 Antonyms

indifference (n.) – Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.

apathy (n.) – Lack of feeling, emotion, interest, or concern.

coldness (n.) – Lack of affection or warmth of feeling.

🌱 Derivatives

sympathetic (adj.) – Feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy.

sympathize (v.) – To feel or express sympathy.

sympathizer (n.) – A person who agrees with or supports a sentiment, opinion, or ideology.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English in the 16th century via Latin 'sympathia' from Greek 'sympatheia'. Its core meaning of 'shared feeling' has remained consistent. Today, it is frequently used in expressions of condolence and support, such as 'sympathy cards' sent after a loss.

Meaning 2：agreement or support (sympathy)

sympathy 🔊

/ˈsɪmpəθi/

Agreement with or support for an idea, plan, or action; understanding between people.

Sympathy as agreement shown by two people shaking hands and smiling in a community setting.

agreement or support 🔊

➕

/əˈɡriːmənt ɔː(r) səˈpɔː(r)t/

Harmony or accord in feeling, opinion, or aim between individuals or groups.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：高级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The teacher is in sympathy with the students‘ request for more study breaks. 🔊 The teacher is in agreement or support with the students‘ request for more study breaks.

🔗 Collocations

in sympathy with – in agreement or harmony with

public sympathy – widespread public support or approval for a cause

strike in sympathy – to stop work in support of other workers who are on strike

🔄 Synonyms

agreement (n.) – Harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling.

accord (n.) – Agreement or harmony between people or groups.

rapport (n.) – A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well.

🚫 Antonyms

opposition (n.) – Resistance or dissent, expressed in action or argument.

discord (n.) – Disagreement between people.

animosity (n.) – Strong hostility.