sympathies
|sym-pa-thies|
/ˈsɪmpəθiz/
(sympathy)
shared feelings
Etymology
'sympathy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'sympatheia', where 'syn-' meant 'together' and 'pathos' meant 'feeling'.
'sympatheia' passed into Late Latin as 'sympathia' and then into Middle English as 'sympathy', becoming the modern English word 'sympathy'.
Initially, it meant 'fellow-feeling' or 'shared feeling', and over time it has kept that core idea while also developing the specific senses of 'pity/compassion' and 'condolences'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune; compassion.
Please accept my sympathies for your loss.
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Noun 2
feelings of shared understanding or agreement with another's feelings or situation; empathy or rapport.
She found sympathies with colleagues who had similar experiences.
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Noun 3
inclinations, political or emotional leanings or support (often used in plural): e.g. political sympathies.
Her sympathies lie with the reform movement.
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Noun 4
expressions of condolence (often used in the plural as a short phrase: 'my sympathies').
I want to offer my sympathies to the family.
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Last updated: 2025/09/02 11:58