ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sympathetic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk// UK //sˌɪmpəθˈɛtɪk// sym·pa·thet·ic General-service

adj. showing that you understand and care about someone else's problems. You use this when you want to be kind to someone who is going through a hard time.

adj. feeling, showing, or expressing pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortunes. Often used to describe a person's disposition or a specific reaction to another's distress.


SIMPLE

She was very sympathetic when I told her about my bad news.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager was sympathetic to his request for time off to care for his sick relative.

COMPLEX

Although the board members were sympathetic to the plight of the displaced workers, they ultimately voted to proceed with the factory closure for financial reasons.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Mid 17th century in the sense “relating to an affinity or paranormal influence”, from Latin sympathēticus. By surface analysis, sympathy + -etic (“pertaining to”); compare pathetic. Displaced native Old English efnþrōwiende.

Usage

Commonly takes the preposition 'to' or 'towards' when directed at a person or cause.

Pitfall

I am very sympathetic todayI am very nice/friendly todayIn many European languages, 'sympathetic' is a false friend meaning 'likable' or 'nice'; in English, it specifically means showing pity or support for someone's problems.

© 2026 English Reference