'sympathy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'sympatheia,' where 'sym-' meant 'together' and 'pathos' meant 'feeling.'

'sympatheia' transformed into the Latin word 'sympathia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sympathy' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'shared feelings,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.'