what is the difference between empathy and sympathy?

Anonymous2006-09-29T21:37:38Z

Favorite Answer

"empathy" means I feel "with" you. "sympathy" means I feel "for" you.

Empathy, implies that the speaker has suffered similar fate.

sveta_dr_mom2006-09-30T04:30:13Z

Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone. Empathy is putting yourself in the shoes of the other person.

poshbaby242006-09-30T04:42:02Z

empathy is when you put yourself in the person's shoes, meaning that you experienced something similar and you can relate to what the person is going through. Sympathy is when you feel sorry, happy, etc. that a certain situation happened to the person and you can somewhat relate to the experience they are experiencing, even though you haven't experienced what the person has/is going through.

kelliekareen2006-09-30T04:46:41Z

Empathy=Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives. .
sympathy=
The act or power of sharing the feelings of another.
A feeling or an expression of pity or sorrow for the distress of another; compassion or commiseration.

ladyfraser042006-09-30T04:43:20Z

Regarding Twisty's answer:
I think you're mistaking empathy (concern for a situation you can identify with personally) for APATHY (not caring). Sympathy is when you feel for the person, but don't REALLY know what it's like cuz you haven't been thru it.

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