What is sympathy? Pronunciation and usage in English

sympathy means . Learn how to pronounce and use sympathy through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of sympathy

sympathynoun

/ˈsɪmpəθi/
Definition & pronunciation of sympathy

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sympathy" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable by Syllable:

  • Sym-: This is pronounced like "sim" as in "simple." (Think of the "s" as a quick, sharp sound)
  • -pathy: This is the tricky part. It's pronounced like "path-ee." The "th" is a voiceless "th" – meaning you don't vibrate your vocal cords. It’s like the "th" in "think" or "thin." The "ee" sound is similar to the "ee" in "see."

2. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: Sim-path-ee

3. Key Points & Tips:

  • The "th" sound: This is often the biggest hurdle. Practice saying "think" and "thin" several times. It's a quick, brief "th" sound, not a long one.
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable – “sym-pathy.”
  • Don’t say “sim-PAT-ee”: The emphasis is before the “ty.”

Resources to Help You:

  • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/sympathy/) - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word. It's incredibly helpful!
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce sympathy" on YouTube. You'll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native speaker of another language? (Knowing your native language can help me explain where pronunciation might be challenging for you.)

Usage and examples with the word sympathy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sympathy" effectively in English. It's a nuanced word often confused with "empathy," so understanding the difference is key.

1. Core Meaning: Feeling Sorry for Someone

At its simplest, "sympathy" means feeling pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune. It's about recognizing their suffering and feeling bad for them. It’s often a more distant, intellectual feeling.

Here's how you can use it in sentences:

  • "I feel sympathy for her after losing her job." (Expressing sorrow for her situation)
  • "He offered his sympathy to the grieving family." (A comforting statement expressing sorrow)
  • "She showed sympathy for the homeless man, offering him some food." (Demonstrating compassion and understanding)
  • "Despite not knowing him well, she offered her sympathy." (Expressing compassion even without a close relationship)

2. Phrases with "Sympathy":

  • "Offer sympathy": To express sorrow and support. “Please offer your sympathy to her family.”
  • "Express sympathy": Similar to ‘offer sympathy,’ it means to verbally convey your sorrow. “He expressed his sympathy for the victims of the storm.”
  • "Sympathy is warranted": This means that someone deserves or needs sympathy. "Given the circumstances, sympathy is warranted for the family."
  • "Sympathetic to...": To feel understanding and compassion for someone’s situation. "I am sympathetic to their plight."

3. “Sympathy” vs. “Empathy” – The Key Difference

This is crucial. Here’s how they differ:

  • Sympathy: Feeling for someone. You understand they're suffering, and you feel bad about it. It’s more of an intellectual acknowledgement of their pain. Think: "I feel sympathy for you."
  • Empathy: Feeling with someone. You try to understand and experience their emotions as if they were your own. It's a deeper, more visceral connection. Think: “I feel empathy for you."

Example:

  • Sympathy: "I feel sympathy for you losing your pet." (You acknowledge their pain and feel sorry for them.)
  • Empathy: "I feel empathy for you losing your pet. I remember how heartbroken I was when I lost my dog." (You truly share in their sadness, recalling a similar experience.)

4. Formal vs. Informal Usage

  • Formal: "He extended his sympathy to the bereaved."
  • Informal: “I’m so sorry, I feel sympathy for you.” or "I feel bad for you." (Though "feel bad for you" is more commonly used in casual conversation.)

5. When Not to Use It

  • Don’t use it to minimize someone’s feelings. Saying something like "At least it could be worse" shows a lack of understanding and respect. Focus on expressing genuine sorrow.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me tailor my explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking about using "sympathy" in? (e.g., a letter, a conversation, a story?)

Synonyms for the word sympathy

Idioms of the word sympathy

in sympathy with something
happening because something else has happened
  • Share prices slipped in sympathy with the German market.
out of sympathy with somebody/something
not agreeing with or not wanting to support somebody/something

    Practice with vocabulary sympathy

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The entire department extended its sincere ___________ to Maria after she lost her pet.
    2. Many attendees expressed their ___________ with the speaker's call for immediate climate action.
    3. To genuinely help, one must cultivate not just pity, but deep ___________ by actively trying to understand another's feelings from their perspective.
    4. The new regulations received widespread ___________ from the industry leaders, who believed they would foster innovation.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. After the startup failed, the investor felt profound ___________ for the founders who had dedicated years to the project. A. apathy B. sympathy C. indifference D. antagonism

    2. The union leader garnered significant ___________ from the striking workers, who felt their demands were finally being heard. A. antipathy B. hostility C. sympathy D. resentment

    3. While the general public offered their ___________ to the victims of the disaster, aid organizations provided tangible assistance. A. compassion B. commiseration C. sympathy D. understanding

    4. Despite having never experienced similar hardship herself, the counselor demonstrated remarkable ___________ for her client's struggles by genuinely connecting with their emotions. A. indifference B. empathy C. apathy D. detachment

    5. The CEO's public statement expressed his deep ___________ regarding the layoffs and the impact they would have on the employees' families. A. jubilation B. indifference C. regret D. approval

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: Most people felt very sorry for the victims of the natural disaster. Rewrite using "sympathy":

    2. Original: The activist's passionate speech resonated deeply with many members of the audience, who largely agreed with her views. Rewrite using "sympathy":

    3. Original: She could almost feel the pain he was going through, as if it were her own, because she had been through a similar ordeal. Rewrite (do not use "sympathy"):

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. sympathy
    2. sympathy
    3. empathy
    4. endorsement

    Exercise 2:

    1. B. sympathy
    2. C. sympathy
    3. A. compassion, B. commiseration, C. sympathy, D. understanding
    4. B. empathy
    5. C. regret

    Exercise 3:

    1. Rewrite: Most people expressed their profound sympathy for the victims of the natural disaster.
    2. Rewrite: Many members of the audience felt great sympathy with the activist's passionate views.
    3. Rewrite: She showed true empathy for the pain he was going through because she had been through a similar ordeal.

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