Reading Theme:
Sympathise: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：feel sorry for (sympathise)
sympathise
/ˈsɪmpəθaɪz/
vi.
To feel sorry for someone who is suffering or in a difficult situation.
feel sorry for
➕
/fiːl ˈsɒri fɔːr/
vi.
To experience feelings of sorrow or compassion for someone else's misfortune or pain.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Sym- (together) + path (feeling) + -ise (verb suffix) => to feel together with someone.
💡 Mnemonic
Sym- sounds like 'same', path like 'path' → same path of emotion → share feelings.
📖 Example
When her cat went missing, I could really sympathise with her worry.
When her cat went missing, I could really sympathise with her worry.
🔗 Collocations
sympathise with someone – to feel compassion for a person
sympathise deeply – to feel strong compassion
sympathise greatly – to feel a lot of pity
🔄 Synonyms
commiserate (vi.) – to express or feel sympathy for another's sorrow
empathise (vi.) – to understand and share the feelings of another
condole (vi.) – to express sympathy formally, especially in grief
🚫 Antonyms
ignore (vt.) – to refuse to acknowledge someone's suffering
disregard (vt.) – to treat as unworthy of attention or sympathy
be indifferent (phrase) – to have no concern or sympathy for another's plight
🌱 Derivatives
sympathiser (n.) – a person who sympathises
sympathising (adj.) – expressing or showing sympathy
sympathised (v.) – past tense of sympathise
📖 Cultural Story
From Greek 'sympatheia' (fellow-feeling), via Latin 'sympathia'. Originally used in philosophy and later in psychology for emotional resonance.
Meaning 2：agree with (sympathise)
sympathise
/ˈsɪmpəθaɪz/
vi.
To agree with or support someone's opinion, idea, or action.
agree with
➕
/əˈɡriː wɪð/
vi.
To share or support someone else's viewpoint, decision, or action.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I sympathise with your decision to study abroad for better opportunities.
I sympathise with your decision to study abroad for better opportunities.
🔗 Collocations
sympathise with an idea – to support a concept or proposal
sympathise wholeheartedly – to give full support or agreement
sympathise in principle – to agree with the general concept but not necessarily with details
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
oppose (vt.) – to be against a plan or opinion
disagree (vi.) – to have a different opinion
contradict (vt.) – to assert the opposite of a statement or idea
🌱 Derivatives
sympathiser (n.) – a person who sympathises
sympathising (adj.) – expressing or showing sympathy
sympathised (v.) – past tense of sympathise
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