sympathy is feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. For example"they had great sympathy for the flood victims" it can also be known as understanding between people; common feeling. For example "the special sympathy between the two boys was obvious to all" and empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another's position. For example Imagine you didn't like your best friends new friend, and you haven't approved of this relationship. She comes to you distraught that it is over. Part of being empathetic is reserving judgement, so you set aside what you think should happen and focus on her feelings instead. You give her a hug and listen attentively while she talks.
