sympathetic Definition
- 1feeling or showing concern and understanding for someone's suffering or problems
- 2in agreement with or approving of someone or something
Using sympathetic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sympathetic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She was very sympathetic when I told her about my problems.
Example
The judge was sympathetic to the defendant's situation.
Example
I'm not very sympathetic to his point of view.
Example
The movie's sympathetic portrayal of the character made him more relatable.
sympathetic Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for sympathetic
Antonyms for sympathetic
Idioms Using sympathetic
be willing to listen to someone's problems or concerns with understanding and compassion
Example
Whenever I need to talk, she always has a sympathetic ear.
a fictional character who is portrayed in a way that encourages the reader or viewer to feel empathy or compassion for them
Example
The author created a sympathetic character in the protagonist, making the reader root for her throughout the story.
a group of people who are receptive to and supportive of a particular idea or message
Example
The speaker had a sympathetic audience, who applauded enthusiastically at the end of her speech.
Phrases with sympathetic
sympathetic magic
the use of rituals, objects, or actions that are believed to have a causal connection with events in the world, often used in primitive cultures
Example
The tribe used sympathetic magic to ensure a good harvest.
the phenomenon of one object vibrating in response to the vibrations of another object, even if they are not in contact
Example
The guitar strings produced a sympathetic vibration in the nearby piano.
the part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action in response to stress or danger, often called the 'fight or flight' response
Example
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for increasing heart rate and blood pressure during times of stress.
Origins of sympathetic
from Greek 'syn-' meaning 'together' + 'pathos' meaning 'feeling'
Summary: sympathetic in Brief
The term 'sympathetic' [ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk] describes a person who feels or shows concern and understanding for someone's suffering or problems. It can also mean being in agreement with or approving of someone or something. Examples include 'She was very sympathetic when I told her about my problems.' and 'The movie's sympathetic portrayal of the character made him more relatable.' The term extends into phrases like 'have a sympathetic ear,' and idioms like 'a sympathetic character,' denoting a character that encourages empathy or compassion.
