English · Word Candidate

sympathetic

/ˌsɪm.pəˈθɛt.ɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: sympathetics

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of, related to, feeling, showing, or characterized by sympathy.

Adjective

John looked very upset. I gave him a sympathetic look.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Of, related to, feeling, showing, or characterized by sympathy. — Showing approval of or favor towards an idea or action.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A sympathetic nerve.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “sympathetic” mean?

Of, related to, feeling, showing, or characterized by sympathy.

Is “sympathetic” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.