sympathy

Universal Words noun (plural sympathies) 1 [U,C,usually pl.] the feeling of being sorry for sb; showing that you understand and care about sb's problems: to express / feel / have sympathy for sb * I have no sympathy for Jan, 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. 2 [U,C,usually pl.] 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 dockers. * Her sympathies lie with the anti-abortion lobby. 3 [U] friendship and understanding between people who have similar opinions or interests: There was no personal sympathy between them. IDIOMS in sympathy with sth (written) happening because sth else has happened: Share prices slipped in sympathy with the German market. out of sympathy with sb/sth (written) not agreeing with or not wanting to support sb/sth