Word
sympathize
Phoneticssym·pa·thize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪz/
UK spelling · sympathise
Definition
v. to understand and care about someone's problems. You feel sorry for them because you can imagine how they feel.
v. to feel or express compassion or understanding for another person's distress. Often implies an intellectual or emotional alignment with a particular viewpoint or situation.
Examples
“I sympathize with your situation, but I cannot change the rules.”
“Many local residents sympathize with the protesters even if they do not join the march themselves.”
“While the board members sympathize with the staff's concerns regarding the new schedule, they maintain that the changes are necessary for the company's long-term survival.”
Examples
simple
“I sympathize with your situation, but I cannot change the rules.”
contextual
“Many local residents sympathize with the protesters even if they do not join the march themselves.”
complex
“While the board members sympathize with the staff's concerns regarding the new schedule, they maintain that the changes are necessary for the company's long-term survival.”
Usage
Intransitive; typically takes the preposition 'with' before the person or cause.
Pitfall
I sympathize your problem
I sympathize with your problem
The verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'with' to connect to an object.
Real-World Examples
“We deeply sympathise with the students affected by the news and will continue to do all we can to support them.”
This is the latest failure in the sector.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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