Empathy vs. Sympathy

Empathy

The noun empathy denotes the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This ability usually derives from having shared the same, or a similar, experience. For example, you can have empathy for a poor person if you are, or were, poor.

e.g. I have empathy for your problem. I've been there.

Sympathy

The noun sympathy denotes feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.

e.g. You have my utmost sympathy. You trained like a demon for that race.