ˈsɪmpəθɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a
the state of
being simultaneously
affected with the
same feeling as
another. b the
capacity for this. 2 (often foll. by with) a the
act of sharing or
tendency to share (with a
person etc.) in an
emotion or
sensation or
condition of another person or
thing. b (in
sing. or pl.)
compassion or commiseration; condolences. 3 (often foll. by for) a
favourable attitude;
approval. 4 (in sing. or
pl.;
often foll. by with)
agreement (with a person etc.) in
opinion or
desire. 5 (attrib.) in
support of another
cause (sympathy strike). øin sympathy (often foll. by with) 1 having or
showing or resulting
from sympathy (with another). 2 by
way of
sympathetic action (working to
rule in sympathy). [L sympathia f. Gk sumpatheia (as
SYN-, pathes f.
pathos feeling)]