Sympathy

Sympathy refers to feelings of care and concern for the suffering or misfortune of others, often accompanied by a wish to help. The term derives from the Greek sun- “with” and pathos “feeling,” and has evolved through Latin and Old French into modern English, where it broadly connotes recognition of another’s state and a supportive or morally oriented stance.

Sympathy is distinct from empathy and compassion. Empathy is the ability to understand and, in some cases, share the emotional state of another; it can be affective (feeling what another feels) or cognitive (understanding another’s perspective). Sympathy may not involve sharing the exact emotion but does entail concern and a readiness to respond. Compassion is closely related and typically emphasizes a motivation to relieve suffering, often accompanied by actions to help.

In psychology and moral philosophy, sympathy is seen as a social emotion that can promote bonding and cooperative behavior. Historical discussions include Aristotle’s concept of pity (eleos) and later philosophers such as Hume and Smith, who linked sympathetic feeling to moral judgment and social cohesion, arguing that shared sentiments help regulate conduct within communities.

Expression of sympathy varies across cultures and contexts. It is commonly conveyed through verbal condolences, sympathy cards, gestures of support, and practical assistance to those in distress. In everyday life, sympathy supports social solidarity and can motivate caregiving, volunteering, and acts of consolation, while also shaping expectations about appropriate responses to misfortune.