solicit sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solicit sympathy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is seeking compassion or understanding from others, often in a context of distress or hardship. Example: "After sharing her story of loss, she seemed to be trying to solicit sympathy from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Swinton actually attempts to solicit sympathy in the emails about not seeing herself on the screen either, failing to recognize the difference between a lack of representation among white people and minority groups.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He may be soliciting sympathy, or projecting vulnerability.

The New York Times

Soliciting sympathy Even the lawyers are feeling the pinch.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Kerr declined to comment further, even on background, the way Washington politicians do in soliciting sympathy.

The New York Times

Still, in these fragile economic times when only the wealthy -- and that includes some athletes -- appear to be prospering, soliciting sympathy from the public is a hard sell for professional athletes.

The New York Times

"Do you know many times I played clubs in this city and they threw beer at me?" she asked on Saturday night, soliciting sympathy it turned out she didn't really want.

The New York Times - Arts

It had been a complete charade in a bid to solicit international sympathy and funding.

The Guardian - Opinion

This may not be quite the moment to solicit our sympathy for self-absorbed beneficiaries of Ivy League privilege.

The New York Times

It can be difficult to find the right tone or approach in stories about dealers, partly because they don't solicit easy sympathy.

The New York Times

In the early days, it was hard to escape the conclusion that he and his team were deploying the tactics of ugly bastards everywhere in trying to solicit a sympathy winch in a nightclub: hit them with a blizzard of chat-up lines in the hope that one of them will stick.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wasting no pity on himself, he neither expected nor solicited any sympathy from the audience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid misinterpretation, ensure that the context makes it clear whether the act of soliciting sympathy is genuine or manipulative. For example, specify what actions are being taken to seek sympathy.

Common error

Avoid using "solicit sympathy" without understanding the underlying motivation. It can sometimes be interpreted negatively, implying that someone is being manipulative or insincere in their attempt to gain compassion. Ensure your writing provides enough context to clarify whether the act of soliciting sympathy is justified or not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solicit sympathy" functions as a verb phrase where "solicit" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object, in this case, the noun "sympathy". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "solicit sympathy" is used to describe the act of seeking compassion or understanding from others. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and while it isn't a ubiquitous phrase, it appears consistently in reputable news and media sources. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure the intent is clear, as it can sometimes imply manipulation rather than a genuine need for support. Related phrases include "seek compassion" and "appeal for understanding", each carrying slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek compassion

Focuses on the act of actively looking for compassion from others.

request empathy

Highlights the desire for understanding and shared feelings.

appeal for understanding

Focuses on seeking comprehension and acceptance of one's situation.

elicit pity

Suggests an attempt to evoke feelings of sorrow or regret in others.

ask for consolation

Emphasizes seeking comfort and solace in times of distress.

invite commiseration

Emphasizes the desire for shared sorrow or lamentation.

play the victim

Implies exaggerating one's suffering to gain attention or advantage.

fish for compliments

Implies a subtle or indirect attempt to gain praise or admiration, rather than genuine sympathy.

court favor

Suggests seeking approval or goodwill, which may or may not involve sympathy.

beg for mercy

Suggests a desperate plea for leniency or forgiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "solicit sympathy" in a sentence?

You can use "solicit sympathy" to describe someone actively seeking compassion or understanding from others. For example: "After sharing her story of loss, she seemed to be trying to "solicit sympathy" from the audience."

What does it mean to "solicit sympathy"?

To "solicit sympathy" means to actively seek or try to obtain compassion, understanding, or pity from others, often by presenting oneself as being in a difficult or unfortunate situation.

What are some alternative phrases for "solicit sympathy"?

Some alternatives include "seek compassion", "request empathy", or "appeal for understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "solicit sympathy"?

Not necessarily. While "solicit sympathy" can sometimes imply manipulation, it can also describe a genuine need for comfort and support. The context is crucial in determining the intent.