Basic Details
Word: Sympathy
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Feelings of kindness or understanding for someone who is unhappy or suffering.
Synonyms: Compassion, pity, empathy
Antonyms: Indifference, apathy, cruelty
Idioms and Phrases
- Sympathy card: A card sent to show understanding or kindness to someone in sorrow. Example: "After hearing about her loss, I sent her a sympathy card to show that I cared."
- Feel for someone: To understand and share in someone else's feelings. Example: "When my friend failed his exam, I really felt for him and offered my support."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The community showed great sympathy towards the family affected by the fire, providing them with food and shelter.
Example 2: She spoke with sympathy as she listened to her friend share her struggles.
Example 3: It's important to show sympathy for those who are going through tough times, as it can help them feel less alone.
Fun Fact
The word "sympathy" comes from the Greek word "sympatheia," which means "fellow feeling." It has been used in English since the 16th century to express shared feelings of sorrow or compassion.
Famous Quote
"Whenever you feel like criticising anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that youve had." F. Scott Fitzgerald
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "sympathy" mean?
a) Happiness for someone
b) Feelings of kindness for someone suffering
c) Anger at someone
d) Joy in someone else's success
Answer: b) Feelings of kindness for someone suffering
2. Which of these is a synonym of "sympathy"?
a) Cruelty
b) Pity
c) Indifference
d) Apathy
Answer: b) Pity
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "sympathy"?
a) Compassion
b) Understanding
c) Indifference
d) Empathy
Answer: c) Indifference
4. Which sentence uses "sympathy" correctly?
a) She expressed her sympathy by laughing out loud.
b) His sympathy for the injured animal was clear as he tried to help it.
c) Sympathy is the same as ignoring someone.
d) They showed sympathy by having a party.
Answer: b) His sympathy for the injured animal was clear as he tried to help it.
5. Which idiom relates to "sympathy"?
a) Cold as ice
b) Feel for someone
c) Under the weather
d) Beating around the bush
Answer: b) Feel for someone
