Eli5: what is the difference between sympathy and empathy?

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

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Anonymous 0 Comments

A close relative dies. You *sympathize* with your family members over the loss, as you’re sharing these feelings together and it’s personally affecting you.

A stranger dies. You *empathize* with their family, because you understand the loss, but are not personally affected.

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