sympathetic heart

USAGE SUMMARY

"sympathetic heart" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It's often used to refer to a kind-hearted person who is empathetic and understanding towards others. For example, "She has a sympathetic heart, always willing to help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mary is the sympathetic heart.

The Guardian

Mr. Glass is a journalist but also a storyteller who filters his interviews and impressions through a distinctive literary imagination, an eccentric intelligence and a sympathetic heart.

The New York Times

Danny McCarthy is perfect as Mitch, bashful and a little uncouth but with a sensitive and sympathetic heart, destined to be exploited by Stanley for his own selfish ends.

The New York Times

Perhaps best of all is Jarlath Conroy, who looks (and acts) as if he has just sprung from a Hogarth etching, in roles ranging from a doddering old man who inadvertently offends Lucidus, setting the plot in motion, to a loyal servant whose poker face belies a sympathetic heart.

The New York Times

Yet even when viewed with a sympathetic heart, Kate Winslet's acceptance speech for her second Golden Globe on Sunday night (she was awarded best actress for her role in the film Revolutionary Road, after having already won best supporting actress for The Reader), raises the occasional wave of nausea, swiftly followed by a rush of hands to eyes in order to block out the spectacle.

The Guardian

Wheeler became very fond of his students, with one of them, B. B. Lal, commenting that "behind the gruff exterior, Sir Mortimer had a very kind and sympathetic heart".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

African-Americans have "sympathetic hearts to any incident of cruelty," Mr. Hasan added.

The New York Times

But an interest in the workings of theater — and the often unbridled passions of the men and women who work backstage to bring it to life — is all that is really required to enjoy Mr. Nashman and Mr. Thompson's tribute to an artist whose work they revere, and a man whose demons they depict with clear eyes but sympathetic hearts.

The New York Times

But would it work on the sympathetic hearts of London's tube train denizens?

Vice

This suggests an adaptive compensation to the depletion of the neurotransmitter stores in the heart sympathetic nerve terminals.

BMC Physiology

However, a slow peripheral intravenous infusion of nifedipine in SHR resulted in a sympatho-inhibitory response decrease in blood pressure, renal sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate.

Blood Pressure

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in literature or film, use "sympathetic heart" to quickly establish their empathy and moral compass.

Common error

While "sympathetic heart" is readily understood, overuse can sound sentimental. In formal or technical writing, consider more precise language to describe empathy or compassion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sympathetic heart" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize an individual as compassionate and understanding. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sympathetic heart" effectively describes a person's capacity for empathy and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While the expression is generally well-received, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts and is considered uncommon overall. Alternative phrases like "compassionate nature" and "kind-hearted soul" can offer similar connotations with slight shifts in emphasis. When using "sympathetic heart", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and emotional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassionate nature

Emphasizes the inherent quality of compassion in a person.

kind-hearted soul

Highlights the kindness and inherent goodness of a person.

empathetic spirit

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

caring disposition

Describes a tendency to show concern and care for others.

tender sensibilities

Emphasizes a refined and sensitive emotional capacity.

benevolent character

Highlights the charitable and well-meaning aspects of someone's personality.

understanding demeanor

Focuses on the capacity to show comprehension and patience.

generous spirit

Emphasizes a willingness to give and share with others.

sensitive nature

Underscores the quality of being easily affected by emotions and feelings.

warm-hearted person

Describes someone who is friendly, kind, and affectionate.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "sympathetic heart"?

Having a "sympathetic heart" means you are compassionate, understanding, and empathetic towards others. It implies a strong capacity for feeling and sharing the emotions of those around you.

How can I describe someone with a "sympathetic heart" in different words?

You could describe them as having a "compassionate nature", being a "kind-hearted soul", or possessing an "empathetic spirit".

Is "sympathetic heart" a formal or informal expression?

"Sympathetic heart" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal expression. It's suitable for many contexts but might be too sentimental for highly formal writing.

Can "sympathetic" have other meanings beyond describing a person's character?

Yes, "sympathetic" can also mean expressing support or approval. For example, one might be "sympathetic" to a particular cause or political view. However, in the phrase "sympathetic heart", it refers to emotional understanding and compassion.