feel sorry for
Have compassion toward
To feel sorry for someone is to pity them—to regard their situation with sympathy or compassion: I feel sorry for anyone who has to work in this heat.
The phrase can carry genuine empathy or condescension, depending on context.
Feel sorry for yourself suggests wallowing in self-pity: Stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something about it.
Feel what others feel
- sympathizeShare another's feelings
- relateConnect or recount
- understandGrasp the meaning
- comfortEase or soothing relief
console · soothe · reassure · encourage · acknowledge · recognize · connect · share
Expression of shared grief
- commiserationPity expressed for suffering
- consolationComfort during distress
- solaceRelief from distress
- heartacheDeep emotional distress
lament · pathos · plaintive · woeful · pitiful · pitiable · wretched · unfortunate
Sharing another's emotions
- sympathyCompassionate understanding of others
- concernTroubled interest in something
- caringShowing kind concern
- kindnessConsiderate, caring disposition
warmth · tenderness · heartfelt · sensitivity · understanding · humanity · benevolence · goodwill
Guilt for wrongdoing
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
- repentanceRemorseful rejection of past wrongs
ashamed · rueful · self-reproach · compunction · penitence · atonement · amends · mea culpa
empathize
Feel what others feel
- sympathizeShare another's feelings
- relateConnect or recount
- understandGrasp the meaning
comfort · console · soothe · reassure · encourage · acknowledge · recognize · connect · share · be there for
condolence
Expression of shared grief
- commiserationPity expressed for suffering
- consolationComfort during distress
- solaceRelief from distress
heartache · lament · pathos · plaintive · woeful · pitiful · pitiable · wretched · unfortunate · downtrodden
empathy
Sharing another's emotions
- sympathyCompassionate understanding of others
- concernTroubled interest in something
- caringShowing kind concern
kindness · warmth · tenderness · heartfelt · sensitivity · understanding · humanity · benevolence · goodwill · solidarity
remorse
Guilt for wrongdoing
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
repentance · ashamed · rueful · self-reproach · compunction · penitence · atonement · amends · mea culpa · confession