sympathetic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sympathetic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is kind and understanding of others. For example, "My boss is always sympathetic to my struggles at work".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All that is to say, I am sympathetic to the notion that I may need to handle a gun some day.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the so-called innocent party may have even contributed to the event by not being sufficiently open and sympathetic to their partner's feelings.

The Guardian - Opinion

If Bachmann gets traction as a pundit, her popularity among sympathetic, far-right groups can be leveraged more effectively.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems obvious that the happiness of our citizens is what ultimately matters (though if you believe that the rights of non-human animals are just as important then I might be sympathetic to such a caveat).

The Guardian

That President Obama is sympathetic is evident from his recent reiteration to the UN general assembly of his commitment to the two-state principle; a reminder of what he said in his speech in Cairo in 2009 during his first term: "....it is undeniable that the Palestinian people – Muslim and Christian – have suffered in pursuit of a homeland.

The Guardian

And it seems that in Britain they preach the gospel of a free-for-all to a sympathetic audience.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within Zapu, Msipa, a Shona-speaker, had consistently advocated amalgamation with Zanu-PF – earning him the ire of Ndebele-speaking colleandes – and was considerably more sympathetic to Zanu-PF and its leader than others in his party.

The Guardian

YouGov finds Britain becoming more sympathetic to the weak than France or Germany, growing more concerned about social housing, more eager for government intervention on jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

It lies in the fact that most of us from the postcolonial world, though intuitively sympathetic to the idea of self-determination, cannot claim to have fulfilled even partially its extravagant promise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Claire Denis is amused by this spectacle and sympathetic to it but insists that this is really not her world.

The Guardian - Film

On the television news, there has been generous and sympathetic coverage, with American reporters in London portraying the party at Buckingham Palace as a jolly event and highlighting Prince Charles's speech.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sympathetic" to describe someone who understands and shares the feelings of others, showing kindness and support in difficult situations.

Common error

Avoid using "sympathetic" when you simply mean that you agree with someone's opinion. "Sympathetic" implies emotional understanding, not necessarily concurrence.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "sympathetic" primarily functions to describe someone who experiences and expresses compassion or understanding for the suffering of others. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts, affirming its role in portraying emotional connection and support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sympathetic" is a versatile adjective used to describe someone who shows compassion and understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. While it primarily indicates emotional understanding, it can also imply agreement or support. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sense of empathy and avoid using it merely to express agreement. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "sympathetic" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassionate

Emphasizes a deep feeling of sorrow or pity for someone.

understanding

Highlights the ability to comprehend and appreciate another person's situation.

empathetic

Focuses on the ability to share and understand the feelings of another.

caring

Stresses a sense of concern and responsibility for others.

considerate

Implies thoughtfulness and sensitivity towards the needs of others.

kindhearted

Highlights the inherent kindness and generosity of a person's nature.

benevolent

Suggests a desire to do good and promote the well-being of others.

gracious

Emphasizes politeness and kindness, especially in social interactions.

solicitous

Focuses on being concerned and attentive to the needs and comfort of others.

well-disposed

Indicates a favorable or positive attitude toward someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "sympathetic" in a sentence?

You can use "sympathetic" to describe someone who shows compassion and understanding towards others. For example, "She was very "sympathetic" to my situation after hearing about my challenges".

What words can I use instead of "sympathetic"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "compassionate", "understanding", or "empathetic" as alternatives to "sympathetic".

What's the difference between "sympathetic" and "empathetic"?

"Sympathetic" implies feeling pity or sorrow for someone, while "empathetic" means understanding and sharing the feelings of another person.

Is it correct to say someone is "sympathetic to" an idea?

Yes, you can say someone is "sympathetic to" an idea to mean they are favorably inclined towards it or understand its appeal. However, be mindful of the primary meaning, which involves emotional understanding.