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sympathy |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Sympathy \Sym"pa*thy\, n. (Physiol. & Med.) a The reciprocal influence exercised by organs or parts on one another, as shown in the effects of a diseased condition of one part on another part or organ, as in the vomiting produced by a tumor of the brain. b The influence of a certain psychological state in one person in producing a like state in another. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Sympathy \Sym"pa*thy\, n.; pl {Sympathies}. [F. sympathie, L. sympathia Gr ?; sy`n with + ? suffering, passion, fr ?, ?, to suffer. See {Syn-}, and {Pathos}.] 1. Feeling corresponding to that which another feels; the quality of being affected by the affection of another, with feelings correspondent in kind if not in degree; fellow-feeling. They saw, but other sight instead -- a crowd Of ugly serpents! Horror on them fell, And horrid sympathy. --Milton. 2. An agreement of affections or inclinations, or a conformity of natural temperament, which causes persons to be pleased, or in accord, with one another; as there is perfect sympathy between them 3. Kindness of feeling toward one who suffers; pity; commiseration; compassion. I value myself upon sympathy, I hate and despise myself for envy. --Kames. 4. (Physiol.) a The reciprocal influence exercised by the various organs or parts of the body on one another, as manifested in the transmission of a disease by unknown means from one organ to another quite remote, or in the influence exerted by a diseased condition of one part on another part or organ, as in the vomiting produced by a tumor of the brain. b That relation which exists between different persons by which one of them produces in the others a state or condition like that of himself. This is shown in the tendency to yawn which a person often feels on seeing another yawn, or the strong inclination to become hysteric experienced by many women on seeing another person suffering with hysteria. 5. A tendency of inanimate things to unite, or to act on each other as the sympathy between the loadstone and iron. [R.] 6. Similarity of function, use office, or the like The adverb has most sympathy with the verb --Earle. Syn: Pity; fellow-feeling; compassion; commiseration; tenderness; condolence; agreement. Usage: {Sympathy}, {Commiseration}. Sympathy is literally a fellow-feeling with others in their varied conditions of joy or of grief. This term, however, is now more commonly applied to a fellow-feeling with others under affliction, and then coincides very nearly with commiseration. In this case it is commonly followed by for as to feel sympathy for a friend when we see him distressed. The verb sympathize is followed by with as to sympathize with a friend in his distresses or enjoyments. ``Every man would be a distinct species to himself, were there no sympathy among individuals.'' --South. See {Pity}. Fault, Acknowledged and deplored, in Adam wrought Commiseration. --Milton. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: sympathy n 1: an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion; "his sympathies were always with the underdog"; "I knew I could count on his understanding" [syn: {understanding}] 2: sharing the feelings of others (especially feelings of sorrow or anguish) [syn: {fellow feeling}] 3: a relation of affinity or harmony between people; whatever affects one correspondingly affects the other "the two of them were in close sympathy"
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