French word

sympathie

Pronunciation

IPA/sɛ̃pati/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfondness

Example

J'ai de la sympathie pour elle.

I have a fondness for her.

Illustration for sympathie (fondness)

More examples

Il a gagné la sympathie du public.

He gained the public's sympathy.

Core concept

A warm, non-romantic inclination that makes support for someone feel natural.

Common phrases

  • avoir de la sympathie pour quelqu'un

    have sympathy for ___

  • gagner la sympathie du public

    gain the public's sympathy

  • manquer de sympathie

    lack sympathy

Similar words

bienveillance: Goodwill shown through concern for another person's welfare and an urge to help.
affection: A strong warm feeling marked by fondness and emotional attachment.
amitié: The mutual trust and closeness shared by friends.
estime: Respect arising from a high opinion of someone's abilities or character.

Definition in French

Attitude positive et chaleureuse envers quelqu'un, marquant une inclination à l'apprécier ou à le soutenir sans connotation amoureuse.

Word origin

French sympathie comes through Latin sympathia from Greek sympatheia, formed from syn-, 'with', and pathos, 'feeling'.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English sympathy, French sympathie often means warm liking or goodwill rather than compassion for suffering.

Other meanings

  • affinitynoun
  • goodwillnoun
  • sympathynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word