sympathize

[ sim-puh-thahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, sym·pa·thized, sym·pa·thiz·ing.

1. to be in sympathy or agreement of feeling; share in a feeling (often followed by with ).
2. to feel a compassionate sympathy, as for suffering or trouble (often followed by with ).
3. to express sympathy or condole (often followed by with ).
4. to be in approving accord, as with a person or cause:

   to sympathize with a person's aims.

   Synonyms: support, back, favor, approve, understand

5. to agree, correspond, or accord.

sympathize

/ ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪz /

verb

1. to feel or express compassion or sympathy (for); commiserate

   he sympathized with my troubles

2. to share or understand the sentiments or ideas (of); be in sympathy (with)

Derived Forms

• ˈsympaˌthizer, noun

Other Words From

• sympa·thizing·ly adverb
• non·sympa·thizing adjective
• non·sympa·thizing·ly adverb
• pre·sympa·thize verb (used without object) presympathized presympathizing
• un·sympa·thized adjective
• un·sympa·thizing adjective
• un·sympa·thizing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sympathize¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French sympathiser; from sympath(ie) sympathy + -iser -ize

Example Sentences

But watching the scripted Netflix series also caused her to sympathize with the brothers’ experiences of alleged abuse under their father.

From Los Angeles Times

Asked whether Trump had the ability to sympathize with others, Kelly had a simple answer: "No."

From Salon

It’s far easier to sympathize with migrants when they’re your friends or cousins or from the same region as you.

From Los Angeles Times

Her manipulations are supposed to make the audience sympathize with Arthur's pain and humanize him.

From Salon

Pew Research Center stated in a study that young Americans under 30 are more likely to sympathize with the Palestinian plight.

From Salon

Related Words

• commiserate
• comprehend