Sympathy /(?)/

pl. Sympathies

1. Feeling corresponding to that which another feels; the quality of being affected by the affection of another, with feelings correspondent in kind, if not in degree; fellow-feeling.

   They saw, but other sight instead -- a crowd Of ugly serpents! Horror on them fell, And horrid sympathy.

2. An agreement of affections or inclinations, or a conformity of natural temperament, which causes persons to be pleased, or in accord, with one another; as, there is perfect sympathy between them.
3. Kindness of feeling toward one who suffers; pity; commiseration; compassion.

   I value myself upon sympathy, I hate and despise myself for envy.

4. The reciprocal influence exercised by organs or parts on one another, as shown in the effects of a diseased condition of one part on another part or organ, as in the vomiting produced by a tumor of the brain. (Physiol. & Med.)
5. A tendency of inanimate things to unite, or to act on each other; as, the sympathy between the loadstone and iron. [R.]
6. Similarity of function, use office, or the like.

   The adverb has most sympathy with the verb.

   Fault, Acknowledged and deplored, in Adam wrought Commiseration.