Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 4 down vote favorite
1

Schadenfreude is the joy or pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others. What is the word for the feeling of discomfort derived from witnessing the misfortunes of others?

share|improve this question
2  
Sounds a lot like empathy in a general sense. Pity or angst may apply. Wikipedia refers to it as "empathic distress". – Zairja Oct 18 '12 at 0:49

2 Answers

up vote 6 down vote

Compassion: "sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it".

share|improve this answer
up vote 4 down vote

Commiseration: a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others

I think there is a subtle difference between commiseration and compassion, where commiseration involves actually feeling miserable along with the other person while compassion aims more toward the desire to alleviate it.

share|improve this answer
2  
Good point. Compassion: I feel your pain and I want to help you alleviate it. Commiseration: I feel your pain and have to cry about it as much as you do, but I don't necessarily want to help you alleviate it. Schadenfreude: I see your pain and it gives me great pleasure. Is there anything I can do to increase it? – Bill Franke Oct 18 '12 at 1:54

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.