B2adjective2K

UK//ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk//US//ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk//

Meaning of Sympathetic

Feeling compassion or understanding for someone's feelings or situation.

In simple words: Showing that you care about someone's feelings.

Sympathetic in a sentence

  • She was very sympathetic to his problems.
  • His sympathetic nature made him a great friend.
  • I felt sympathetic towards her after hearing her story.
  • The teacher was sympathetic to the student's struggles.
  • It's important to be sympathetic when someone is upset.
  • They appreciated her sympathetic feedback during the difficult time.

How to use Sympathetic

Use 'sympathetic' when expressing understanding or compassion towards someone's situation. It is neutral but can be more formal in certain contexts.

Grammar pattern

sympathetic + to noun / sympathetic + towards noun

Memory hint

Think of 'sympathize' - when you feel bad for someone, you're sympathetic.

Related words

Collocations with Sympathetic

  • sympathetic smile
  • sympathetic response
  • sympathetic tone

Synonyms for Sympathetic

Opposites of Sympathetic

  • unsympathetic
  • indifferent
  • unfeeling

Common mistakes with Sympathetic

  • Confusing sympathetic with empathetic, which has a slightly different meaning.
  • Using sympathetic as a noun incorrectly.
  • Saying 'sympathetic for' instead of 'sympathetic to/towards'.

Compare Sympathetic with Understanding, Supportive

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Frequently asked questions about Sympathetic

What does Sympathetic mean?

Showing that you care about someone's feelings.

What is the definition of Sympathetic?

Feeling compassion or understanding for someone's feelings or situation.

How do you use Sympathetic in a sentence?

She was very sympathetic to his problems.

Can you give another example of Sympathetic?

His sympathetic nature made him a great friend.

What are synonyms for Sympathetic?

Common alternatives include compassionate, caring, understanding, supportive, considerate.

What is the opposite of Sympathetic?

Opposite meanings include unsympathetic, indifferent, unfeeling.

What words go with Sympathetic?

It commonly pairs with sympathetic smile, sympathetic response, sympathetic tone.

What are common mistakes when using Sympathetic?

Confusing sympathetic with empathetic, which has a slightly different meaning. Using sympathetic as a noun incorrectly. Saying 'sympathetic for' instead of 'sympathetic to/towards'.

How do you pronounce Sympathetic?

US: //ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk//, UK: //ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Sympathetic?

Use 'sympathetic' when expressing understanding or compassion towards someone's situation. It is neutral but can be more formal in certain contexts.

What CEFR level is Sympathetic?

"Sympathetic" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.