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Sympathizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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sympathizing

 

[ ˈsɪmpəθaɪzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotional response

Sympathizing is the act of understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. It often involves expressing compassion or concern for someone who is experiencing difficulties or distress. This action is crucial in interpersonal relationships as it helps build emotional connections and fosters a supportive environment. When someone sympathizes, they typically acknowledge the other's emotional state and may offer comfort or assistance.

Synonyms

commiserating, compassionate, consoling, understanding.

Examples of usage

  • She was sympathizing with her friend after the loss.
  • He found it hard to stop sympathetically nodding during the sad story.
  • Many people were sympathizing with the victims of the disaster.
  • It's important to be sympathetic when someone is grieving.

Etymology

The word 'sympathizing' derives from the Greek word 'sympatheia', which means 'fellow feeling'. It is a compound of 'syn-', meaning 'together' and 'pathos', meaning 'feeling' or 'suffering'. The term entered the English language in the late 17th century, evolving in its use as our understanding of emotional connections and shared feelings grew. Originally, the term was often used in a more general sense of affection or emotional resonance but over time has come to be associated more specifically with feelings of compassion and understanding towards others' misfortunes. Its usage has expanded in modern language to encompass not just the act of feeling accompanied with others but also the expression of that feeling in social contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,158, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.