# sympathize

/ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sympathize
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to understand and care about someone's problems. You feel sorry for them because you can imagine how they feel.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I sympathize your problem" but "I sympathize with your problem" — The verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'with' to connect to an object.

## Usage notes

- Intransitive; typically takes the preposition 'with' before the person or cause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.