What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

sympathise

Example

I sympathize with you and understand how hard this must be. [sympathize: verb]

Example

I can sympathize with your frustration about the situation. [sympathize: verb]

commiserate

Example

I want to commiserate with you on the loss of your loved one. [commiserate: verb]

Example

We all commiserated with her after she failed the exam. [commiserated: past tense verb]

Definitions of sympathise and commiserate

🤔

Key differences and similarities of sympathise and commiserate

👉

Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Sympathize is more common in everyday language, while commiserate is less frequently used and more formal.

What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sympathise and commiserate?

Commiserate is more formal than sympathize and is often used in more serious or somber situations, such as offering condolences or expressing sympathy for a loss or hardship.