sympathetic
/ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/
adjective
Origin
Ancient Greek
sumpathetikos — having common feelings
Overview
Meaning Now
- Feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy.
- Approving of or favoring an idea or action.
- Relating to or acting through the sympathetic nervous system.
Literal older meaning
having common feelings with another
Language path
Ancient Greek → Late Latin → French → English
Earliest form
sympathetical
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term originates from the philosophical concept of 'sympathy' in the ancient world, referring to a perceived hidden connection or affinity between disparate parts of the universe or between individuals.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
sumpatheia
“community of feeling”
Base noun form
- Late Latin
sympatheticus
“having common feelings”
Latinization of the Greek adjective
- 17th century English
sympathetical
“arising from sympathy”
Early form in English literature
- Modern English
sympathetic
“inclined to sympathize”
Standardized modern form
Connections
Word parts
sym-
prefix
with, together
path-
root
feeling, suffering
-etic
suffix
pertaining to
Related across languages
French
sympathique
sympathetic or pleasant
German
sympathisch
congenial or likeable
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Related to sympathetic
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.