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Added 9 October 2026

sympathetic

/ˌsɪm.pəˈθɛt.ɪk/ adjective

In Latin: misericors Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about sympathetic at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Of, related to, feeling, showing, or characterized by sympathy.
John looked very upset. I gave him a sympathetic look.
Showing approval of or favor towards an idea or action.
Attracting the liking of others. Designed in a sensitive or appropriate way.

noun

A sympathetic nerve.

Origin

Mid 17th century in the sense “relating to an affinity or paranormal influence”, from Latin sympathēticus. By surface analysis, sympathy + -etic (“pertaining to”); compare pathetic. Displaced native Old English efnþrōwiende.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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