sympathetic gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sympathetic gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or expression that conveys understanding, compassion, or empathy towards someone else's feelings or situation. Example: "She offered him a sympathetic gaze, understanding the pain he was going through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Caitlin Grater is next, twisted and convulsive before Mr. McAfee's sympathetic gaze, until the tables are turned.

The New York Times

The same oddly sympathetic gaze can be found trained on another social category: ordinary middle-class people caught up in the generational war.

The Guardian - Books

With a flag pin in his lapel and a silver tie to match his silver hair, Obama fixes the camera with that familiar sober, sympathetic gaze.

The New Yorker

Under Raymond's sympathetic gaze ��� "We deserve to be loved, purely and unconditionally, just for who we are," he tells Omar in passing — Omar admits his origins and even his reasons for leaving his past behind.

The New Yorker

No mere objects of hasty clinical notes, or articles in professional journals, his "patients" are transformed by his interest, sympathetic gaze and ability to convey optimism in tragedy into grand characters who can transcend their conditions.

The Guardian - Books

Directed by Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher, a couple collaborating on their first feature together, the movie rests its probing, sympathetic gaze on members of Mr. Mosher's family, who speak forthrightly about the misery and frustration that seems to afflict them, from one generation to the next, like a curse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

LILY: (locking him in a fake-sympathetic gaze as she fingers her pearls) Tell me.

Huffington Post

Neither sympathetic nor disgusted, the gaze of the director, Alejandro Landes, is coldly dispassionate.

The New York Times

The synchronicity, the friend- ships, and forces that drew these writers from many different continents together in this book is--to borrow a notion from the late Cistercian monk Thomas Mepiphanyan epiphany of certainties we could not know in isolation". An epiphany that affirms a deep belief that there is a more sympathetic way to live and gaze upon this world.

HuffPost

Mr. Edwards draws closer to her, fixing her in his steel-blue gaze, his face earnest and sympathetic.

The New York Times

He was also disarmingly honest and sympathetic, qualities in political life often hidden from the public gaze.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction to another's misfortune, use "sympathetic gaze" to subtly convey empathy without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid using "sympathetic gaze" when you mean agreement. Sympathy implies understanding and care, not necessarily concurrence with someone's views or actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sympathetic gaze" functions as a noun phrase, where "sympathetic" modifies the noun "gaze". It describes a specific type of look or expression, conveying empathy and understanding, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples. The phrase paints a vivid picture of emotional connection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sympathetic gaze" is a grammatically correct and evocative way to describe a look of understanding and compassion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in English writing and, based on the examples, often appears in journalistic contexts. While relatively uncommon compared to simpler expressions, it offers a nuanced way to convey empathy, distinct from mere agreement or pity. Consider alternatives like "compassionate look" or "empathetic expression" depending on the specific emotion you wish to convey. Use it to subtly reveal a character's feelings or set a tone of emotional support in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassionate look

Focuses on the feeling of compassion rather than just sympathy.

empathetic expression

Highlights the outward display of empathy.

understanding glance

Emphasizes a quick, intuitive comprehension of another's feelings.

caring look

Suggests a more general sense of concern and affection.

tender regard

Implies a gentle and affectionate way of looking at someone.

kindred spirit's look

Connects two people in a moment of mutual understanding.

pitying stare

Indicates stronger sense of sorrow or compassion for another's suffering.

comforting presence

Emphasizes the supportive feeling conveyed through one's being.

solicitous eyes

Highlights eagerness to help or show concern.

warm expression

Suggests a look filled with kindness and friendliness.

FAQs

How can I use "sympathetic gaze" in a sentence?

You can use "sympathetic gaze" to describe a look that conveys understanding and compassion, such as: "She offered a "sympathetic gaze", acknowledging his grief."

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

While both terms convey understanding, "sympathetic gaze" implies feeling sorrow or pity for someone, while "empathetic gaze" suggests a deeper understanding and sharing of their feelings. Consider using "empathetic expression" if you want to highlight a deeper connection.

What are some alternatives to "sympathetic gaze"?

Alternatives include "compassionate look", "understanding glance", or "caring look", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sympathetic gaze" formal or informal?

"Sympathetic gaze" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in news reporting, literature, and everyday conversation.