sympathize

== English == === Alternative forms === sympathise (UK) === Etymology === Borrowed from French sympathiser. By surface analysis, sympathy +‎ -ize. Displaced native Old English efnþrōwian (literally “to suffer with or together”). === Pronunciation === === Verb === sympathize (third-person singular simple present sympathizes, present participle sympathizing, simple past and past participle sympathized) (Canada, US) (intransitive) To have, show or express sympathy; to be affected by feelings similar to those of another, in consequence of knowing the person to be thus affected Synonyms: commiserate, understand (intransitive) To support, favour, have sympathy (with a political cause or movement, a side in a conflict / in an action). (transitive) To say in an expression of sympathy. (intransitive) To have a common feeling, as of bodily pleasure or pain. (transitive, obsolete) To share (a feeling or experience). (intransitive) To agree; to be in accord; to harmonize. ==== Usage notes ==== Used similarly to empathize, interchangeably in looser usage. In stricter usage, empathize is stronger and more intimate, while sympathize is weaker and more distant. See empathy: usage notes. Further, the general “agree, accord” sense of sympathize is not shared with empathize. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== sympathetic sympathy ==== Translations ====