Sympathized: meaning, definitions and examples

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sympathized

 

[ˈsɪm.pə.θaɪzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional response

Sympathized is the past tense of the verb sympathize. It refers to the act of sharing or understanding the feelings and emotions of another person. When someone sympathizes with another, they are acknowledging the struggles or sorrows of that person and often expressing care or support. This emotional connection can be essential for offering comfort and can strengthen interpersonal relationships. It's important to distinguish sympathy from empathy, as sympathy typically involves a more superficial emotional response compared to the deeper connection of empathy.

Synonyms

compassionated, condoled, shared feelings, understood.

Examples of usage

  • She sympathized with her friend who lost a loved one.
  • He sympathized with her situation and offered help.
  • Many people sympathized after the disaster.
  • I sympathized with him during his tough times.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'sympatheia', meaning 'feeling together' indicating shared feelings.
  • Its roots connect to 'syn', meaning 'together', and 'pathos', meaning 'feeling' or 'suffering'.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 17th century, primarily in contexts related to emotions and feelings.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that sympathizing can foster social bonds and enhance interpersonal relationships.
  • Empathy and sympathy, while related, differ: empathy involves fully understanding another's feelings, while sympathy is recognizing those feelings.
  • Individuals who regularly sympathize with others tend to have lower stress levels and better emotional health.

Literature

  • Many classic novels, such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird', explore themes of sympathy, showcasing characters who stand up for others’ rights and feelings.
  • Poets often use the act of sympathizing as a key element in their work, portraying deep emotional connections between characters.
  • Sympathy plays a crucial role in character development in stories, making readers more invested in protagonists' journeys.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, expressing sympathy is an important social ritual during times of loss or hardship, often marked by gatherings or condolences.
  • Sympathy cards or gestures are common when someone experiences loss, highlighting the universal nature of this human response.
  • Different cultures may express sympathy in varied ways, such as verbal expressions, physical comfort, or through art and literature.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often depict characters confronting shared struggles, emphasizing the importance of sympathizing with each other.
  • Songs that express sympathy or understanding, such as 'Lean on Me', resonate broadly and encourage listeners to support one another.
  • Communities often organize events or initiatives aimed at fostering sympathy and compassion in response to societal issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "sympathized" in other languages:

🇵🇹 simpatizou

🇮🇳 सहानुभूति जताई

🇩🇪 sympathisierte

🇮🇩 bersimpati

🇺🇦 сочувствував

🇵🇱 sympatyzował

🇯🇵 同情した

🇫🇷 a sympathisé

🇪🇸 simpatizó

🇹🇷 sempati gösterdi

🇰🇷 동정했다

🇸🇦 تعاطف

🇨🇿 sympatizoval

🇸🇰 sympatizoval

🇨🇳 表示同情

🇸🇮 simpatiziral

🇮🇸 samúðaði

🇰🇿 симпатия білдірді

🇬🇪 საზოგადოება გამოხატა

🇦🇿 simpatik oldu

🇲🇽 simpatizó

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,530, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.