Sympathetic: meaning, definitions and examples
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sympathetic
[ˌsɪm.pəˈθet.ɪk ]
Definitions
empathy
Feeling or showing concern and understanding for others' emotions and situations.
Synonyms
compassionate, empathetic, understanding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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sympathetic |
Used when you want to show that you care about someone else's feelings or troubles. It's often used to express pity or sorrow.
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compassionate |
Used to describe someone who shows deep concern and love for others, often leading to action to help relieve suffering.
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empathetic |
Used when you are able to understand and share another person's feelings and experiences deeply, often because you've been through similar situations.
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understanding |
Used to describe someone who is perceptive and tolerant of others' feelings, behaviors, and situations. It emphasizes patience and acceptance.
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Examples of usage
- He was always sympathetic towards his friends when they were going through tough times.
- She offered a sympathetic ear to anyone who needed to talk about their problems.
medical
Relating to or characterized by sympathy or understanding of another's suffering or feelings.
Synonyms
compassionate, kind, supportive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
sympathetic |
Used to describe someone who shows understanding and care about someone else's feelings or situation.
|
compassionate |
Describes a person who shows deep care and concern for others’ suffering and is motivated to help.
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kind |
Refers to someone who is friendly, generous, and considerate.
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supportive |
Describes a person who offers help, encouragement, or emotional strength during difficult times.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor was very sympathetic towards the patient's pain and discomfort.
- Her sympathetic response to the grieving family was deeply appreciated.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Greek term 'sympatheia', meaning 'a fellow feeling' or 'shared feelings'.
- It made its way into Middle French as 'sympathie' before entering English in the early 18th century.
- Originally, it described a physical connection, such as how one object could affect another, before shifting toward emotional connections.
Psychology
- Sympathetic feelings can enhance social bonds, encouraging empathy and community support.
- Psychologists suggest that being sympathetic can lead to altruistic behavior, where people perform kind acts for others.
- Research shows that those who regularly express sympathetic feelings often experience better emotional health themselves.
Literature
- In many classic novels, sympathetic characters often serve as the moral compass of the story, providing insight into human emotions.
- Authors use sympathetic characters to elicit emotional responses from readers, drawing them deeper into the narrative.
- Famous works like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' feature sympathetic figures who advocate for justice and integrity, resonating with the audience.
Pop Culture
- Sympathetic characters in films often highlight themes of friendship, love, and sacrifice, creating powerful emotional scenes.
- Animated films frequently portray sympathetic traits in characters, making them lovable and relatable for audiences, such as in Disney movies.
- Television shows utilize sympathetic characters to drive story arcs, often creating fan favorites who evoke compassion and understanding.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures emphasize various expressions of sympathy, with some valuing collective grieving and support during hard times.
- In many societies, showing sympathy is seen as a virtue, fostering strong community ties and mutual support.
- Cultural practices surrounding sympathy can influence how individuals respond to loss or hardship, ranging from communal rituals to private reflections.
Translations
Translations of the word "sympathetic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 simpático
🇮🇳 सहानुभूतिशील
🇩🇪 mitfühlend
🇮🇩 simpati
🇺🇦 співчутливий
🇵🇱 współczujący
🇯🇵 同情的な (dōjō-teki na)
🇫🇷 sympathique
🇪🇸 simpático
🇹🇷 sempatik
🇰🇷 동정심 많은 (dongjeongsim manh-eun)
🇸🇦 متعاطف
🇨🇿 soucitný
🇸🇰 súcitný
🇨🇳 同情的 (tóngqíng de)
🇸🇮 sočuten
🇮🇸 samúðarfullur
🇰🇿 жанашыр
🇬🇪 თანამგრძნობი
🇦🇿 şəfqətli
🇲🇽 simpático