Sympathy vs Empathy: Is There A Difference?
Sympathy and Empathy differ from each other in the slightest way possible but the difference is still significant. In this blog, we will explain to you the difference between the two and the easiest way to know it.
What is the Difference between Sympathy and Empathy?
The difference between sympathy and empathy is a slight but important one. Both sympathy and empathy come from the Greek word “pathos,” which means suffering or feeling. As such, both refer to being able to take part in another’s feelings.
With sympathy, the relationship between your feelings and another’s isn’t equal. You might feel sorrow for someone, but you don’t personally understand their feelings or haven’t had the same experience. However, with empathy, the relationship is equal. You understand another’s feelings as if they were yours.
Examples:
- I’m sorry for your loss. You have my sympathy.
- It was easy for me to feel empathy for Mr. Kapoor since I’d been in the exact same situation.
Phrases That Show You Sympathize With Someone:
- I’m so sorry
- I’m sorry for your loss
- I can’t imagine what you must be going through
- That’s so terrible
- I’m sorry this happened to you
- I’m sorry that you feel this way
- I really feel bad for you
- I’m sorry for you
- You have my sympathy
Phrases That Show You Empathize With Someone:
- I’ve felt that way before
- I know exactly what you mean
- I totally get you
- I’ve been there
- I know exactly how you feel
- I know from experience
- The same thing happened to me
- I had a similar experience
- I know what you’re going through
- I feel you
Which one do you use and When?
Empathy is a stronger emotion, but that doesn’t automatically make it better than sympathy. The question is really which is better for a given situation. Sympathy recognizes another person’s suffering, but it stops there. Empathy goes further by sharing in another’s experience. The ability to feel someone’s pain, disappointment, and fear is intense. Sympathy is just as important even though it’s less intense.
Quick Recap
- Sympathy means feeling bad for someone even if you can’t understand what they’re going through.
- Empathy means to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. You may be able to do so because you have most probably experienced the same thing before.
- Sympathy and empathy have similar meanings but are essentially different.
- Make sure to always use either of the two based on the context. There’s really no defined rule.