Answer #1

Because of the seemingly synonymous looking words, many misconceptions remain to be uncorrected. Considering the fact that the English language encapsulates one wide scope of words that are variedly put into use, it is already common that many people do not careless of the kind of word they use, as long as they are able to convey the right message. Included among the many misunderstood words that are evidently used interchangeably are empathy and sympathy. It is undeniable that these words are often heard in a day to day conversation. For most individuals, they think that such words are just one and same. But in actuality, they do differ in many important aspects.

One of the main differences between the two is their meaning. While empathy means being able to understand the other individual in whatever condition or situation he or she is dealing with, sympathy is the act of showing concern without typically understanding the kind of emotion r situation one is in.

In this light, it can be implied that empathy gives the empathizer to feel whatever the other is feeling. In simple terms, it is just like putting oneself in the shoes of the other. Sympathy does not work in this manner. Sympathy is only limited to accepting the fact that the other person that way, without basically knowing what kind of feeling that is.

In empathy, individuals involved are on the same road and no one is superior to the other. In sympathy, no intimate affection can be perceived and only the concern can be emanated.

For many instances, these two words are interchangeably used. But it should always be considered that empathizing requires deeper involvement in thought and affection compared to the act of showing sympathy to the affected individual.

Answered By: katrina [385 ]