Eli5: what is the difference between sympathy and empathy?

Question

People have tried explaining it to me before and I never really understood the difference. I’m hoping a simple explanation will help.

In: 25

Answer 1

I’ve always understood it as;

Empathy; ‘oh you lost your father at a young age? As did I. I have a good understanding of how that must might have affected you.

Sympathy; I never lost my father, but you’re, clearly, hurting.

The difference being whether you can relate to their specific pain or relate with the fact that they’re in pain.