sympathise - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
sympathise Word Meanings
- to share feelings with someone
- to understand someone's emotions
- to feel pity or compassion for someone
sympathise Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
sympathise Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsɪm.pə.θaɪz/
US
/ˈsɪm.pə.θaɪz/
sympathise Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'sym-' (together) + 'pathos' (feeling). Historical origin: Latin 'sympathia' → Old French 'sympathie' → English. Memory image: Visualize two hearts beating in unison, sharing joy and sorrow, united in feeling.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Sympathise means to share someone’s feelings or to understand their emotions, sometimes with pity or compassion. In British English it is commonly used when someone has bad news or a difficulty, as in 'I sympathise with your situation' or 'We sympathise with the victims.' It can also describe recognizing another person’s emotions without fully experiencing them. The sense of together feeling contrasts with empathize, which emphasizes placing yourself in another's shoes. The word comes from 'sym-' (together) and 'pathos' (feeling), tracing back to Latin sympathia via Old French sympathie. Visualize two hearts beating in unison, one shared emotional rhythm.
Usage Reminders
- Keep it about shared feelings, not solving the problem; prefer I sympathise with you to I understand how you feel; use with people’s losses, difficulties, or disappointments; avoid overly formal or clinical tones in casual conversation; remember British spelling: sympathise, not sympathize.
Common Misconceptions
- It is only for big tragedies, not everyday disappointments.
- Sympathise means you must agree with the other person.
- It is interchangeable with empathize in all contexts.
- Only English variants use this word; other languages have no equivalent.
- Using it implies you have experienced the other person's feelings directly.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often distinguish sympathy (shared feeling or pity) from empathy (imagining oneself in the other’s shoes). Learners might default to empathize, thinking it covers more scenarios, or confuse sympathy with liking or agreement. Remember, sympathise is about feeling with someone, not solving their problem.
Learning Tips
- Practice with a real situation to express sympathy; say I sympathise with you, not I understand how you feel.
- Remember spelling: sympathise (British) vs sympathize (American).
- Pair with nouns: sympathy (noun) and sympathetic (adjective).
- Use with emotions: loss, disappointment, illness, hardship.
- Avoid implying you know the exact feelings of the other person in clinical settings.
- Read or listen to British sources to hear natural usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'sympathise'?
A.to disagree with someone strongly
B.to feel or express compassion for someone
C.to ignore someone's feelings or emotions
D.to celebrate someone's success
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'sympathise'.
A.She sympathises the loss of her friend.
B.I sympathise with your happiness about the promotion.
C.They sympathise against the unfair treatment at work.
D.He never sympathises with anyone who is in trouble.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'sympathise'?
A.empathize
B.condemn
C.ignore
D.object
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'sympathise'?
A.reject
B.support
C.acknowledge
D.understand
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might sympathise?
A.When someone shares their struggles, you might feel a connection to their pain.
B.A person was joyful about their friend's promotion.
C.A group celebrated the success of a friend.
D.Someone expresses pleasure in other people's achievements.
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