What are the differences between sympathy and empathy ?
For example :
1. I had sympathey for homeless.
2. I had empathy for homeless.

Are the meanings of them different ?

Thanks for help !

Question

What are the differences between sympathy and empathy ?
For example :
1. I had sympathey for homeless.
2. I had empathy for homeless.

Are the meanings of them different ?

Thanks for help !

Answer

Sympathy = the sharing of another's feelings. Compassion, commiseration or condolences.
Empathy = The ability to identify with a person or object. Being able to share and imagine another's feeling.
So they can be used as  synonyms at times.

Answer

Sympathy: When I see the homeless, I feel sad and want to help them. I still feel "outside" their situation.

Empathy: When I see the homeless, I imagine what it must like to be homeless myself. It is if I were "inside" their situation.