What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sympathizingly
Example
She looked at him sympathizingly, knowing how hard it was for him to lose his job. [sympathizingly: adverb]
Example
He spoke sympathizingly about the challenges she faced as a single mother. [sympathizingly: adverb]
understandingly
Example
She nodded understandingly, acknowledging his point of view. [understandingly: adverb]
Example
He listened to her understandingly, without judging her decisions. [understandingly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Understandingly is more commonly used than sympathizingly in everyday language. Understandingly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sympathizingly is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sympathizingly and understandingly?
Both sympathizingly and understandingly are generally considered informal and casual in tone. However, understandingly can be used in more formal contexts due to its versatility and neutral connotation.