Pity vs. Sympathy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 24, 2023
Pity involves feeling sorrow for someone's misfortunes, while sympathy is understanding and sharing another's emotions or feelings.
Key Differences
Pity often carries a sense of sadness or distress directed towards the misfortunes or sufferings of someone. When one feels pity, they might perceive the other as inferior or unfortunate. Sympathy, however, leans more towards a compassionate understanding and shared feeling with another person's emotions, without necessarily viewing them as inferior.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
A person might pity another because they see them in a difficult situation, and they feel thankful that they are not in that position themselves. In contrast, sympathy does not involve a comparison of positions or status. When expressing sympathy, one genuinely feels and understands the emotions of the other person.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Pity can sometimes be seen as condescending, suggesting that the one showing pity feels superior in some way. On the other hand, sympathy is about mutual understanding and emotional connection, emphasizing a shared human experience.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
While both pity and sympathy stem from an individual's emotional response towards another person's situation, pity tends to be more passive, a mere recognition of someone's misfortune. Sympathy is more active and engaged, as it requires understanding and sharing in the feelings of another.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
In interpersonal relationships, displaying sympathy rather than pity can often be more comforting. Sympathy implies empathy and shared feelings, whereas pity can inadvertently create emotional distance between the involved parties.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Feeling of sorrow for someone's misfortune.
Understanding and sharing another's feelings
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Impact on Relationships
Can create emotional distance.
Fosters mutual understanding and connection.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
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Pity and Sympathy Definitions
Pity
A feeling of sorrow for the sufferings of another.
She felt pity for the homeless man on the street.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Sympathy
A feeling of understanding and care for someone's suffering or problems.
He expressed sympathy for the victims of the accident.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Pity
A regrettable or unfortunate situation.
It's a pity she missed the party; it was a lot of fun.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Sympathy
The act of showing support for or approval of something.
She had no sympathy for their cause.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Pity
A strong feeling of sadness about a particular problem or situation.
He took pity on the lost kitten and gave it a home.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
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Sympathy
A natural connection between people or things.
He has a natural sympathy for animals.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Pity
Compassion prompted by the suffering of others.
The orphan's story moved him to pity.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
Sympathy
A mutual understanding or rapport.
They had a lot in common and felt a deep sympathy for each other.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Pity
To feel sorry for someone because of their situation.
I pity those who have never known love.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
Sympathy
Harmony of or agreement in feeling.
Her feelings were in sympathy with his.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
Sympathy
A feeling of pity or sorrow for the distress of another; commiseration.
Sumera Saeed
Apr 15, 2020
FAQs
How does pity differ from sympathy?
Pity involves feeling sorrow for someone's misfortune, while sympathy is understanding and sharing another's feelings.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Can showing pity distance relationships?
Pity can inadvertently create emotional distance, making someone feel pitied rather than understood.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Is sympathy always positive?
Generally, yes. Sympathy fosters mutual understanding and connection.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Can you feel both pity and sympathy for someone?
Yes, it's possible to feel sorrow for someone's situation (pity) and also understand their feelings (sympathy).
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
Can animals display sympathy?
Many believe certain animals can show forms of empathy and sympathy towards others.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Are there phrases to avoid when expressing sympathy?
Phrases like "at least" can minimize someone's feelings and are best avoided when expressing sympathy.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
Is sympathy a more active emotion?
Yes, sympathy often involves a deeper engagement and understanding of another's feelings.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
How do cultural differences impact expressions of pity and sympathy?
Cultural norms can shape how emotions are expressed, so expressions of pity and sympathy might vary across cultures.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023
Can pity be seen as condescending?
Yes, pity can sometimes come across as condescending or viewing the other as inferior.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Which is more comforting: pity or sympathy?
Most people find sympathy more comforting as it implies understanding and shared feelings.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Are there cultural expressions of pity and sympathy?
Yes, different cultures have unique ways and rituals to express both pity and sympathy.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Is empathy the same as sympathy?
No, while both involve understanding others' feelings, empathy is actually feeling what the other person feels.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
Why is it considered better to show sympathy over pity?
Sympathy fosters mutual understanding and emotional connection, whereas pity can create a sense of distance.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
How can one shift from pity to sympathy?
Focusing on understanding and sharing feelings rather than just recognizing misfortune can help shift from pity to sympathy.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Is it possible for sympathy to be overwhelming?
Yes, intense sympathy can lead to feelings of sadness or distress if not balanced.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
How can one best show sympathy?
Active listening, genuine concern, and empathy are effective ways to show sympathy.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Is pity always negative?
Not always, but it can be perceived negatively if it feels condescending or superior.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Can someone feel pity for themselves?
Yes, someone can feel self-pity, which is sorrow for one's own sufferings.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Can pity motivate charitable actions?
Yes, seeing others' misfortunes can prompt feelings of pity, leading to charitable actions or donations.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Can you show sympathy without genuinely feeling it?
While it's possible to feign sympathy, genuine sympathy involves truly understanding and sharing in someone's feelings.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
