EXPRESSING SYMPATHY

Sympathy is an extension of empathic concern, or the perception, understanding, and reaction to the distress or need of another human being. This empathic concern is driven by a switch in viewpoint, from a personal perspective to the perspective of another group or individual who is in need. Empathy and sympathy are often used interchangeably, but the two terms have distinct origins and meanings. Empathy refers to the understanding and sharing of a specific emotional state with another person. Sympathy, however, does not require the sharing of the same emotional state. Instead, sympathy is a concern for the well-being of another. Although sympathy may begin with empathizing with the same emotion another person is feeling, sympathy can be extended to other emotional states.

EXPRESSING SYMPATHY in conversation 

- i heard you cat had died today
- yeah you're right 
- i'm so sorry to hear that

expressing sympathy (example)

 
o- I am very sorry to hear that 
o- That’s really too bad.
o- That sounds terrible. I am so sorry

 expressing care (example) 
 
O-  How are you doing? Are you OK?
O- Let me know if there’s anything that I can do to help.

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