sympathize
B2Formal to neutral. More common in writing and formal speech than in casual conversation, where 'feel for (someone)' or 'agree with' might be used.
Definition
Meaning
To feel or express understanding, pity, or sorrow for the hardships or suffering of another person; to share or support the feelings, opinions, or aims of someone.
To agree with a sentiment, opinion, or course of action; to be in harmony or accord with something; to respond favorably or with emotional alignment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a degree of emotional alignment or intellectual agreement, not just passive acknowledgement. Can sometimes carry a connotation of pity when referring to suffering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English also commonly uses 'sympathise' (-ise ending). American English exclusively uses 'sympathize' (-ize ending). No significant difference in meaning or usage patterns.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English corpus data, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
sympathize with somebody/somethingsympathize (that) + clause (less common, e.g., 'I sympathize that this is difficult.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “My heart goes out to you (stronger emotional substitute)”
- “I feel your pain (informal substitute)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"While we sympathize with your situation, we cannot extend the payment deadline." (Formal expression of understanding before a refusal)
Academic
"The author clearly sympathizes with the protagonist's revolutionary aims." (Describing scholarly interpretation of bias or alignment)
Everyday
"I really sympathize with you having to work this weekend."
Technical
Rare in technical contexts. Might appear in psychology texts discussing empathy vs. sympathy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I sympathise with the campaign's core objectives.
- The whole nation sympathised with the victims' families.
American English
- I sympathize with the campaign's core goals.
- The whole nation sympathized with the victims' families.
adverb
British English
- He nodded sympathetically.
- She listened sympathetically to their complaints.
American English
- He nodded sympathetically.
- She listened sympathetically to their grievances.
adjective
British English
- She gave him a sympathising look. (Note: 'sympathising/sympathizing' is a participle used adjectivally)
- He was in a sympathetic mood.
American English
- She gave him a sympathizing look.
- He was in a sympathetic mood.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I sympathize with you.
- Many people sympathize with the environmental protesters.
- It's hard not to sympathize with her point of view.
- While I sympathize with your frustration, I must remind you of the rules.
- The novel encourages readers to sympathize with a morally complex character.
- Historians debate the extent to which contemporary sources genuinely sympathized with the rebel cause or merely reported on it.
- The government's refusal to sympathize with the strikers' demands led to a prolonged deadlock.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SYMPATHY + SIZE: Imagine giving the full SIZE of your SYMPATHY to someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL ALIGNMENT IS SHARING A PATH (from Greek 'sym-' = together, 'pathos' = feeling).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'to like' or 'to support' in the sense of financial support. Russian 'симпатизировать' is a false friend—it primarily means 'to like/be attracted to,' while English 'sympathize' is about shared feeling or pity.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sympathize' without 'with' (e.g., 'I sympathize you' is incorrect). Confusing 'sympathize' (feeling for) with 'empathize' (feeling with). Overusing in informal chat.
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition MUST follow the verb 'sympathize' in standard usage?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Sympathize' means you understand and feel pity for someone's situation. 'Empathize' is stronger, meaning you actively share or deeply understand their feelings as if they were your own.
Yes, 'sympathise' is the standard British English spelling, while 'sympathize' is standard in American English. The '-ize' ending is also acceptable in many British style guides.
Rarely. It is overwhelmingly used for hardships, sorrows, or contentious opinions. For shared joy, words like 'share your happiness' or 'rejoice with you' are more appropriate.
No, that is incorrect. The correct forms are 'I sympathize with you' (verb) or 'I am sympathetic towards you' (adjective).
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