sympathetically
/ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪkli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪkli/ (ame, ipa) · /|ə̇k(ə)lē |ēk-, -li/ (ame, mw)
sympathetically — adverb
1. doing or saying things that show you recognise another person's pain, sadness, o
doing or saying things that show you recognise another person's pain, sadness, or difficulty and want to comfort or help them
The nurse listened sympathetically as the elderly woman described her loneliness.
collocation: listen sympathetically
Faisal nodded sympathetically when his colleague explained the difficult situation at home.
collocation: nod sympathetically
Dr. Okonkwo spoke sympathetically to the worried parents outside the operating room.
Marco smiled sympathetically at the new student sitting alone in the cafeteria.
The teacher looked sympathetically at the boy who had forgotten his lunch money again.
- compassionately
stronger emphasis on deep empathy and a desire to actively relieve suffering
- kindly
warmer and more personal tone, used for everyday gestures of warmth
- understandingly
focuses more on intellectually grasping someone's situation than on shared feeling
- unsympathetically
showing no concern for another's feelings
- coldly
without warmth or emotion, often in a way that feels dismissive
用法筆記
Commonly paired with verbs of communication and reaction: listen, nod, speak, look, smile, touch.
常見錯誤
2. when a storyteller or performer presents a fictional figure in a manner that hel
when a storyteller or performer presents a fictional figure in a manner that helps the audience understand and grow fond of them, despite any flaws
The film presents its main villain sympathetically, showing the pain that shaped him.
passive: presented sympathetically (character-focused)
In the novel, the aunt is drawn sympathetically — her strictness comes from genuine care.
passive: drawn sympathetically (literary)
Élise played the troubled character so sympathetically that the audience forgave her mistakes.
Mert thought the director showed the old man sympathetically, making his anger seem understandable.
The gossipy neighbour in the drama is written sympathetically, with a backstory explaining her actions.
- positively
broader — refers to any favourable treatment, not specifically character understanding
- favourably
suggests the character is shown in a good light, not necessarily with emotional depth
用法筆記
Typically used with passive or descriptive structures in literary and film criticism: shown sympathetically, portrayed sympathetically, drawn sympathetically.
3. through words or actions showing that you share another person's opinion or supp
through words or actions showing that you share another person's opinion or support their plan
The committee responded sympathetically to the proposal for more student housing.
collocation: respond sympathetically to [proposal/request]
Talia's boss listened sympathetically to her ideas about flexible working hours.
collocation: listen sympathetically to [idea/plan]
Local officials reacted sympathetically to the request for a new playground.
Vinícius spoke sympathetically of the plan to reduce traffic in the city centre.
The board considered sympathetically the request for an extra week of paternity leave.
- approvingly
stronger — clearly states approval rather than just supportive listening
- favourably
focuses on the positive outcome rather than the supportive attitude during the exchange
- unsympathetically
dismissing or rejecting the other person's position
- coolly
without warmth or enthusiasm, often discouraging further discussion
用法筆記
Common with institutional or organisational subjects (committee, government, board, official) reacting to proposals, requests, or ideas.
4. blending well into its surroundings, respecting the existing style or character
blending well into its surroundings, respecting the existing style or character of a place, and considering the needs of the people who use it
The new library was designed sympathetically, using local stone that matches older buildings.
collocation: designed sympathetically (architecture)
Renata chose colours that work sympathetically with the traditional wooden furniture.
collocation: work sympathetically with [existing feature]
The house extension was built sympathetically, keeping the same roof style as the original cottage.
Nellie arranged the furniture sympathetically, so the small room still felt open and bright.
The new park benches were placed sympathetically among the old oak trees.
- harmoniously
focuses purely on visual or stylistic compatibility without the added sense of considering people's needs
- sensitively
emphasises awareness of the existing context and the people affected, very close in meaning
- obtrusively
drawing too much attention and clashing with the surroundings
- insensitively
showing no consideration for the existing style or the people's needs
用法筆記
Frequently used in architecture, interior design, and urban planning to describe respectful integration with existing surroundings. Subject is typically a building, design, or renovation.