Definition of sympathize

The word "sympathize" originates from the Greek "syn-" meaning "together" and "pathetic-" meaning "feeling" or "suffering." This derivation comes from the time when Aristotle coined the term "patheia" to describe the emotional responses that people felt toward others. Ultimately, the word was picked up by Renaissance physicians, who coined the medical term "sympatheticus" to describe nerves that seemed to react in tandem with others. Further developments in the field of biology helped to solidify the term's meaning as a shared response or feeling between individuals. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to encompass a more general sense of understanding, empathy, and agreement, rather than just a connection through emotion. Nowadays, the term "sympathy" is commonly associated with feelings of kindness, understanding, and compassion toward others who are experiencing difficulty or hardship. In summary, the word "sympathize" comes from ancient Greek language roots, gained new meaning in medical usage during the Renaissance, and evolved into a more general term for expressing understanding and empathy towards others. Its origins reflect the importance that philosophers, scholars, and medical professionals have placed on emotional connections between individuals over the centuries.