sympathize
/ˈsɪmpəθʌɪz
/(also sympathise)
verb [no object]
1Feel or express sympathy: it is easy to understand and sympathize with his predicament...
- Asked to identify and sympathize with him as the show's hero, viewers must confront a series of contradictions.
- Movies have recognizable characters, people we can identify and sympathize with.
- Without them, an audience would be hard pressed to sympathize with Walter without their reactions descending into pity.
Synonyms
pity, feel/be sorry for, show sympathy for, be sympathetic towards, show compassion for, be compassionate towards, commiserate, offer condolences to, feel for, show concern, show interest;
console, offer consolation to, comfort, solace, soothe, succour;
be supportive of, support, encourage;
empathize with, identify with, understand, relate to, be en rapport with, care for, weep for, grieve for, bleed for
2Agree with a sentiment, opinion, or ideology: they sympathize with critiques of traditional theory...
- Even if you don't agree with him, it's not difficult to sympathise with the sentiment behind his off-the-cuff remark.
- I can sympathise with this opinion, but I do not agree with it, as I enjoy this hobby too much.
- He rejects the attitude that if you try to explain the origins of terrorism you support it or sympathize with it.
Synonyms
agree, support, be in sympathy, be sympathetic towards, be in favour of, go along, favour, be well disposed to, approve of, commend, back, side with, align, encourage
Origin
Late 16th century (in the sense 'suffer with another person'): from French sympathiser, from sympathie 'sympathy, friendly understanding' (see sympathy).