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Haru
"empathy" VS "sympathy"
What is the difference between "empathy" and "sympathy?"
When I watched a sad story movie, which word should I use the impression of the movie?
Jun 7, 2020 11:11 AM
Answers · 6
3
Hello!
"Empathy" means to understand and share in someone's feelings or imagine yourself in that person's situation.
"Sympathy" means to show commiseration, sorrow, or pity for someone's loss or misfortune.
I hope that helps!
June 7, 2020
For the difference: @ Lyn, described it beautifully. This is in answering to the latter part of the post.
You could say you found that movie to be poignant, touching or ' melodramatic ' in some instances. You empathize ( can relate to, can identify with ) with the feelings of certain characters, or you sympathize ( not necessarily identifying with a sentiment yet agreeing with its validity nonetheless ) with the underlying message of the movie.
Thanks : )
June 7, 2020
Thank you! Well, I can use both of them :)
June 7, 2020
There are lots of explanations on the internet.
Empathy is a term we use for the ability to understand other people’s feelings as if we were having them ourselves.
Sympathy refers to the ability to take part in someone else’s feelings, mostly by feeling sorrowful about their misfortune.
Well for a movie I think it depends on the situation that you can feel both empathy or sympathy let's say for a character.
June 7, 2020
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Haru
Language Skills
English, Japanese
Learning Language
English
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