sym·pa·thy
(sĭḿpə-thē)
[Latin sympathīa, from Greek sumpatheia, from sumpathēs, affected by like feelings, sun-, syn-, + pathos, emotion.]
noun: pl., -thies.
- A relationship or an affinity between people or things in which whatever affects one correspondingly affects the other.
- Mutual understanding or affection arising from this relationship or affinity.
- The act or power of sharing the feelings of another.
- A feeling or an expression of pity or sorrow for the distress of another; compassion or commiseration. Often used in the plural. See synonyms at pity
- Harmonious agreement; accord: He is in sympathy with their beliefs.
- A feeling of loyalty; allegiance. Often used in the plural: His sympathies lie with his family.
- Physiology A relation between parts or organs by which a disease or disorder in one induces an effect in the other.
