I'm always confused between "sympathize" and "empathize", can I use "empathize" here? And does he mean that he pities her?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
They differ slightly! To "sympathize" is when you understand something from your own perspective. To "empathize" means to understand from the other person's point of view and not just from your understanding or experience. The idea of "sympathy" can be a way of pitying someone. However, here, the pity comes more in the "but sentiment?" part since he himself enjoys "the distraction of the game." He pities the "sentiment" part of her. Ex: Oh, I sympathize with you, those history classes were so long and boring at school. Ex: I won't ever know what that feels like, but I empathize with you! Can I do anything to help or support you?
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