26984 words

sympathetic

6 definitions • 7 examples
1
used to describe someone who shows, especially by what they say, that they understand and care about someone else's suffering:

Examples:

He suffers from back trouble too, so he was very sympathetic about my problem.
She just needed someone who would lend a sympathetic ear to her (= listen to her in a kind and understanding way) once in a while.
2
If a character in a book or film is sympathetic, they are described or shown in such a way that you are able to understand the character's feelings, with the result that you like them:

Examples:

She comes across as a more sympathetic character in the movie.
3
agreeing with or supporting:

Examples:

The party is considered to be sympathetic to/towards welfare reform.
Did he give your proposal/complaints a sympathetic hearing?
4
showing, esp. by what you say, that you understand and care about someone’s problems or suffering:

Examples:

He suffers from back trouble too, so he was sympathetic.
5
A sympathetic character in a book or movie is one whose actions are understandable and who is therefore likable.
6

Examples:

We are sympathetic to that point of view and have the same goals.

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