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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
SYM'PATHY, n. [Gr. with, and passion.]
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 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.
Kindness of feeling toward one who suffers;
pity; commiseration; compassion.
I value myself upon sympathy, I hate and despise myself for envy. Kames. The
reciprocal influence exercised by the various organs or parts of the
body on one another, as manifested in the transmission of a disease by
unknown means from one organ to another quite remote, or in the
influence exerted by a diseased condition of one part on another part
or organ, as in the vomiting produced by a tumor of the brain.
A tendency of inanimate things to unite, or
to act on each other; as, the sympathy between the loadstone
and iron.
[R.] Similarity of function, use office, or the
like.
The adverb has most sympathy with the verb. Earle. Syn. -- Pity; fellow-feeling; compassion; commiseration; tenderness; condolence; agreement. -- Sympathy, Commiseration. Sympathy is literally a fellow-feeling with others in their varied conditions of joy or of grief. This term, however, is now more commonly applied to a fellow-feeling with others under affliction, and then coincides very nearly with commiseration. In this case it is commonly followed by for; as, to feel sympathy for a friend when we see him distressed. The verb sympathize is followed by with; as, to sympathize with a friend in his distresses or enjoyments. "Every man would be a distinct species to himself, were there no sympathy among individuals." South. See Pity. Fault, 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.
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