What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commiserate
Example
I wanted to commiserate with my friend after she failed her exam. [commiserate: verb]
Example
We gathered to commiserate over our team's loss in the championship game. [commiserate: verb]
sympathize
Example
I sympathize with you during this difficult time. [sympathize: verb]
Example
She sympathized with her friend's struggle to find a job. [sympathized: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sympathize is more commonly used than commiserate in everyday language. Sympathize is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while commiserate is less common and often used in situations where there is a sense of shared experience or common understanding.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commiserate and sympathize?
While commiserate is slightly more formal, sympathize can be used in both formal and informal settings.
