sympathetically — in a way that shows understanding and care for someone's feelings or suffering
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in a way that shows understanding and care for someone's feelings or suffering
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪkli/
Example Sentences
- When I told my boss I broke the coffee machine, he just nodded sympathetically and said 'Been there, done that.'
- The teacher listened sympathetically to the student's excuse about homework being eaten by a virtual dog.
- The judge considered the defendant's case sympathetically due to the unusual circumstances.
sympathetically
ADVERB[/ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪkli/]
in a way that shows understanding and care for someone's feelings or suffering
She listened sympathetically as her friend talked about losing the job.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Greek 'sympatheia', combining 'syn' (together) and 'pathos' (feeling, suffering). It originally meant the capacity to share or experience another person's emotions jointly, and evolved through Latin and Old French before entering English.
Breakdown
syn- (together) + pathos (feeling, emotion) + -ic (adjective-forming suffix) + -ally (adverb-forming suffix indicating manner).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When I told my boss I broke the coffee machine, he just nodded sympathetically and said 'Been there, done that.'”
“The teacher listened sympathetically to the student's excuse about homework being eaten by a virtual dog.”
“The judge considered the defendant's case sympathetically due to the unusual circumstances.”
“She smiled sympathetically when her friend complained about gaining weight after discovering pizza delivery apps.”
📚Related Words
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