American English

How to pronounce sympathize

verbB2
SIHMpuhthaiz

/ˈsɪm.pəˌθaɪz/

3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

to understand someone's problems and feel sorry for them

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

verb

to understand someone's problems and feel sorry for them

I sympathize with you; this must be very difficult.

Good to know

Usually followed by with.

Common phrases & grammar

sympathize with someone · deeply sympathize

verbless common

to support an idea or group because you agree with it

Many workers sympathize with the protesters.

Common phrases & grammar

sympathize with a cause

Related words & forms

The final e is dropped before -ing.