Reading Theme:
Sympathetic: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：showing compassion (sympathetic)
sympathetic
/ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk/
adj.
Feeling or showing care and understanding for someone who is upset or in trouble.
showing compassion
➕
/ˈʃoʊɪŋ kəmˈpæʃən/
adj.
Describes a person who expresses kindness, concern, and understanding towards someone else who is experiencing difficulty or sadness.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'sym-' (together) + 'pathos' (feeling). Literally 'feeling together'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'sym'phony of 'path'etic feelings you share (sym-) with someone.
📖 Example
My friend was very sympathetic when I told her about losing my pet hamster.
My friend showed great compassion when I told her about losing my pet hamster.
🔗 Collocations
sympathetic ear – a willingness to listen to someone's problems
sympathetic response – a reaction showing care and understanding
deeply sympathetic – very understanding and caring
🔄 Synonyms
compassionate (adj.) – Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
understanding (adj.) – Showing tolerance and sympathy towards others' feelings.
empathetic (adj.) – Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
🚫 Antonyms
unsympathetic (adj.) – Not showing or feeling any pity, tenderness, or understanding.
callous (adj.) – Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
indifferent (adj.) – Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
🌱 Derivatives
sympathetically (adv.) – In a manner that shows care and understanding.
sympathy (n.) – The feeling of being sorry for someone else's suffering.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from New Latin 'sympathēticus', from Ancient Greek 'sympathētikós' ('sympathy'). The root 'pathos' (suffering, feeling) is central to English words like empathy, apathy, and pathology, reflecting the language's deep borrowing from Greek to describe emotional states.
Meaning 2：in favor of (sympathetic)
sympathetic
/ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk/
adj.
Showing that you agree with or support an aim or idea.
in favor of
➕
/ɪn ˈfeɪvər əv/
adj.
Describes being agreeable to or supportive of a particular aim, idea, or cause.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Our teacher is very sympathetic to the idea of starting a school recycling club.
Our teacher is very supportive of the idea to start a school recycling club.
🔗 Collocations
sympathetic to a cause – supportive of a particular principle or movement
politically sympathetic – aligned with or supportive of certain political views
find someone sympathetic – to discover that someone is supportive of your views
🔄 Synonyms
supportive (adj.) – Providing encouragement or emotional help; favoring a proposal.
agreeable (adj.) – Willing to agree to something; approving.
favorable (adj.) – Expressing approval; advantageous.
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