sympathise
gb/sˈɪmpˌæθˌaɪz/ us/sˈɪmpˌæθˌaɪz/
B2
English
együttérez, szimpatizál, egyet tud érteni, összhangban van
VERB
B2
1
együttérez
B2
Usage pattern:
sympathise (with [someone]) (about/over [something])
I really sympathise with you—losing a job is incredibly stressful.
Nagyon együttérzek veled – a munkahely elvesztése hihetetlenül megterhelő.
It's hard to sympathise with him when he refuses all help.
Nehéz együttérezni vele, amikor minden segítséget visszautasít.
She sympathised with the parents after the accident.
Learner examples
I sympathise with you.
Együttérzek veled.
We sympathise with the people who lost their homes.
Együttérzünk azokkal az emberekkel, akik elvesztették az otthonukat.
Common mistake:
Do not use *sympathise* to mean you have the same feelings as someone (that is often *empathise*). In American English the usual spelling is *sympathize*.
Meaning
feel sorry for someone
Collocations
sympathise with someone
|sympathise with the victims
|sympathise with someone's situation
|sympathise with someone's plight
|sympathise deeply
|sympathise greatly
|sympathise sincerely
|sympathise about something
|sympathise over something
|hard to sympathise
Synonyms
feel for (More informal and very common in speech.)
|
commiserate (More formal; often used for shared disappointment.)
|
pity (Can sound condescending or distant compared with *sympathise*.)
Antonyms
be indifferent (Shows no concern for someone’s situation.)
|
be unsympathetic (Shows little or no understanding or kindness.)
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|communication
Definition
To feel sad and caring about someone’s problem.
To feel sympathy and concern for someone because they are experiencing trouble, pain, or disappointment.
VERB
C1
2
szimpatizál
B2
Usage pattern:
sympathise with [a view/idea/cause]
Many residents sympathise with the protesters’ demands.
Sok lakos szimpatizál a tüntetők követeléseivel.
I sympathise with your point, but I think the timing is wrong.
Egyet tudok érteni az álláspontoddal, de szerintem rossz az időzítés.
She didn't sympathise with the idea of banning cars from the centre.
Learner examples
I sympathise with your opinion.
Egyet tudok érteni a véleményeddel.
He sympathises with their cause.
Szimpatizál az ügyükkel.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *sympathise* when they simply mean 'like' or 'be interested in'. It usually implies moral or emotional support.
Meaning
support or agree with
Collocations
sympathise with a cause
|sympathise with the aims
|sympathise with the idea
|sympathise with their demands
|sympathise with the protesters
|sympathise with the argument
|sympathise strongly
|sympathise instinctively
|broadly sympathise
|politically sympathise
Synonyms
support (More direct; can imply active help.)
|
agree with (Focuses on shared opinion rather than compassion.)
|
be in favour of (Often used for policies or proposals.)
Antonyms
oppose (Actively or clearly be against an idea or cause.)
|
disagree with (Hold a different opinion.)
Themes
opinions
|politics
|society
Definition
To agree with an idea or support a cause.
To understand and approve of an idea, attitude, or aim, even if you do not fully share it or act on it.
VERB
C2
LITERARY
3
Usage pattern:
[one thing] sympathises with [another]
Their tastes sympathised more than either of them expected.
Az ízlésük jobban összhangban volt, mint bármelyikük gondolta.
His views sympathised with the movement’s ideals.
Nézetei összhangban álltak a mozgalom eszményeivel.
In some families, personalities simply do not sympathise.
Common mistake:
This sense is uncommon in everyday conversation; learners usually want *agree* or *get on*.
Meaning
have similar feelings or views
Collocations
their views sympathise
|sympathise closely
|sympathise in spirit
|naturally sympathise
Synonyms
align (More modern; often used for goals, interests, or views.)
|
be compatible (Focuses on fitting well together.)
Antonyms
conflict (Be in strong disagreement or opposition.)
|
clash (Disagree sharply, especially in opinions or personalities.)
Themes
relationships
|opinions
Definition
To match or fit well in feelings or ideas.
To be in agreement or harmony in feelings, character, or opinion.
Grammar
Dictionary form
sympathise
IPA
GB/sˈɪmpˌæθˌaɪz/
US/sˈɪmpˌæθˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
sym - path - ise (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sym)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: sympathise
- 3rd Person Singular: sympathises
- Present Participle: sympathising
- Past: sympathised
Expressions
i sympathise (with you)
1/ˈaɪ sˈɪmpˌæθˌaɪz wˈɪθ jˈu/
fixed phrase
polite sympathy response
A phrase you say to show you feel sorry for someone.
Examples
- I sympathise, but there isn’t much I can do.
- I sympathise with you—dealing with delays is exhausting.
- We all sympathise over how frustrating the process has been.
Learner examples
- I sympathise with you.
- I sympathise about your problem.
sympathise with
1/sˈɪmpˌæθˌaɪz wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
use 'with' after sympathise
Use *with* after *sympathise*: 'sympathise with someone/something'.
Examples
- I sympathise with anyone who has to work night shifts.
- Do you sympathise with their decision?
- It’s hard not to sympathise with the underdog.
Learner examples
- I sympathise with her.
- They sympathise with the cause.