- 1[uncountable, countable, usually plural] the feeling of being sorry for someone; showing that you understand and care about someone's problems to express/feel sympathy for someone I have no sympathy for Jen; it's all her own fault. I wish he'd show me a little more sympathy. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims of the war. (formal) May we offer our deepest sympathies on the death of your wife.
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- 2[uncountable, countable, usually plural] the act of showing support for or approval of an idea, a cause, an organization, etc. The seamen went on strike in sympathy with (= to show their support for) the dockworkers. Her sympathies lie with the anti-vivisection lobby.
- 3[uncountable] friendship and understanding between people who have similar opinions or interests There was no personal sympathy between them. Idioms
happening because something else has happened Share prices slipped in sympathy with the discouraging economic news.
not agreeing with or not wanting to support someone or something
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