Sympathy表示一种很"平等"的同情,同情者对被同情者没有一种居高临下的感觉, 而pity有一种怜悯的暗示,compassion比pity的语气更重一点。所以表示同情的时候也要倍加注意,最好不要让人误会你在怜悯s/he,而是对其遭遇一种sharing,感同身受的安慰。
compassion:n.同情;怜悯;
例句:
They were godlike in their wisdom and compassion.
他们有上帝般的智慧和同情心。
In him the polarities of life are resolved and balanced: male and female, strength and compassion, severity and mercy.
在他身上,生命的两面性达到了调和与平衡:阳刚和阴柔、强悍和怜悯,还有严厉和仁慈。
sympathy:n.同情;赞同;支持;意气相投;志同道合;
例句:
They sent some flowers as a gesture of sympathy.
他们送了一些花表示慰问。
Don't waste your sympathy on him ─ he got what he deserved.
别把你的同情心白白浪费在他的身上,他是咎由自取。
There was no personal sympathy between them.
他们个人之间全无相投之处。