Library / English Dictionary

SYMPATHIZE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Be understanding of

Example:

You don't need to explain--I understand!

Synonyms:

empathise; empathize; sympathise; sympathize; understand

Classified under:

Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Derivation:

sympathy (an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion)

Sense 2

Meaning:

To feel or express sympathy or compassion

Synonyms:

commiserate; sympathise; sympathize

Classified under:

Verbs of feeling

Hypernyms (to "sympathize" is one way to...):

compassionate; condole with; feel for; pity; sympathize with (share the suffering of)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "sympathize"):

condole (express one's sympathetic grief, on the occasion of someone's death)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s PP

Sentence example:

Sam and Sue sympathize

Derivation:

sympathizer (a person who commiserates with someone who has had misfortune)

sympathy (sharing the feelings of others (especially feelings of sorrow or anguish))

Sense 3

Meaning:

Share the feelings of; understand the sentiments of

Synonyms:

sympathise; sympathize

Classified under:

Verbs of feeling

Hypernyms (to "sympathize" is one way to...):

experience; feel (undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s PP

Derivation:

sympathizer (someone who shares your feelings or opinions and hopes that you will be successful)

sympathy (a relation of affinity or harmony between people; whatever affects one correspondingly affects the other)

Credits

 Context examples: 

So I do, as far as sympathizing goes, but I think the fault is yours, Meg.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Any girl reader who has suffered like afflictions will sympathize with poor Amy and wish her well through her task.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I see so many going to ruin for want of help at the right minute, I love so to do anything for them, I seem to feel their wants, and sympathize with their troubles, and oh, I should so like to be a mother to them!

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Some old people keep young at heart in spite of wrinkles and gray hairs, can sympathize with children's little cares and joys, make them feel at home, and can hide wise lessons under pleasant plays, giving and receiving friendship in the sweetest way.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

The smile comprehended Montenegro's troubled history and sympathized with the brave struggles of the Montenegrin people.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

The reluctance to go home was not confined to wayward men. The hall was at present occupied by two deplorably sober men and their highly indignant wives. The wives were sympathizing with each other in slightly raised voices.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)