What does sympathise mean?
Sympathise is a verb that means to feel or express sympathy, which is a feeling of pity or understanding for someone else's problems or difficulties. It involves showing compassion, empathy, or understanding towards someone who is experiencing hardship, sorrow, or distress. The word is often used in formal or written contexts and can be followed by 'with' or 'with the fact that'. Sympathise is commonly used in British English, while 'sympathize' is more commonly used in American English. Understanding the nuances of sympathise can help individuals communicate effectively and show support for others in need.
verbTo feel or express sympathy, which is a feeling of pity or understanding for someone else's problems or difficulties.
- To feel or express sympathy for someone.
- To be in harmony or agreement with an idea or feeling.
"She sympathised with her friend who had just lost their job."
"The counselor sympathised with the student's concerns about their future."
"The politician's speech was designed to sympathise with the voters' frustrations."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sympathise
The word 'sympathise' originated from the Greek words 'sym' (meaning 'together') and 'pathos' (meaning 'suffering' or 'feeling'). It entered the English language in the 17th century through the Latin 'sympathizāre', which is derived from the Greek 'συμπαθεῖν' (sympathein).
How sympathise is actually used
Sympathise is often used in formal or written contexts, while 'sympathize' is more commonly used in American English. It is often followed by 'with' or 'with the fact that'.