sympathetic listener

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sympathetic listener" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is actively listening and showing empathy or understanding to the person speaking. For example, "The counsellor was a sympathetic listener, providing comfort and support throughout the difficult conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

As Strindberg recounts his tale of woe, Helium, ever the sympathetic listener chimes back, using great active listening skills.

Huffington Post

She was a sympathetic listener.

The Guardian - Film

He found Spaniards eager to talk with a sympathetic listener as a way to put "ghosts" to rest.

The New York Times

The other kitchen helpers kept coming to her with their paycheck woes, and she was a sympathetic listener.

The New York Times

Yet Hessler was a sympathetic observer, and as he gained fluency in Chinese, an even more sympathetic listener.

The New York Times - Books

Yet his female friends remember him as a sympathetic listener who went out of his way to encourage and help them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

In Mnuchin and Otting, they have found two sympathetic listeners.

The New Yorker

The banking industry immediately mobilized in opposition, and its representatives found sympathetic listeners among congressional Republicans.

The New Yorker

Even sympathetic listeners like Walter Hussey, the priest who commissioned Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms," wanted more of the same.

The New York Times - Books

Author devices a plan to run a program whereby sympathetic listeners would raise enough money to pay the National Debt.

The New Yorker

The mayor argued that money could be better used for teachers' salaries, and he found some sympathetic listeners at City Hall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "sympathetic listener", provide specific examples of their listening behavior to illustrate their empathy and understanding.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is a "sympathetic listener" without providing context. Show, don't tell, by describing how they actively listen and respond with empathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sympathetic listener" functions as a noun phrase that describes a person who is both understanding and compassionate when listening to others. According to Ludwig, this is a common term used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66.67%

Wiki

11.11%

Science

11.11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sympathetic listener" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who listens with empathy and understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is widely used across various contexts, including news, media, and personal advice. To effectively use this phrase, showcase specific behaviors that demonstrate active listening and empathy. While many alternatives exist, such as ""empathetic hearer"" or ""compassionate confidant"", the core meaning remains consistent: providing a supportive and understanding presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empathetic hearer

Replaces "sympathetic" with "empathetic", emphasizing the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, and "listener" with "hearer", a less common but similar term.

compassionate confidant

Substitutes "sympathetic" with "compassionate", stressing the feeling of empathy, and "listener" with "confidant", highlighting the trusted role.

understanding confidante

Uses "understanding" in place of "sympathetic", focusing on comprehension, and "confidante", implying a close, trusted relationship.

attentive and caring listener

Adds adjectives "attentive and caring" to further emphasize the qualities of a good listener.

receptive and supportive ear

Uses "receptive" and "supportive" to describe the listener's attitude, and "ear" as a metonym for listening.

kindred spirit

Implies a deep connection and understanding, going beyond just listening.

a shoulder to cry on

Idiomatic expression for someone who provides comfort and support.

someone who lends an ear

Uses the idiom "lend an ear" to mean listen attentively and sympathetically.

a patient audience

Focuses on the patience of the listener, implying a willingness to listen without interruption or judgment.

an open-hearted receptor

Replaces "sympathetic" with "open-hearted", stressing the kindness of the listener, and "listener" with "receptor", a less common but descriptive term.

FAQs

How can I describe the qualities of a "sympathetic listener"?

A "sympathetic listener" is someone who is "attentive", "compassionate", and "understanding". They show empathy and provide support.

What are some synonyms for "sympathetic listener"?

Alternatives include "empathetic hearer", "compassionate confidant", or "understanding confidante", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always positive to be described as a "sympathetic listener"?

Yes, generally. Being a "sympathetic listener" implies you are supportive and understanding, which are positive qualities in interpersonal relationships.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "sympathetic listener"?

The term is appropriate in contexts where emotional support and understanding are valued, such as in counseling, friendship, or personal relationships. It is especially suited when someone is sharing difficult experiences or seeking solace.