sympathize

compadecerse de

USAGE NOTE

This word may also be spelled "sympathise."

sympathize(sihm-puh-thayz)

intransitive verb

1. (to feel sorry for; often used with "with")

a. compadecerse de

Alex couldn't help but sympathize with Leslie; she seemed unconsolable.

Alex no pudo dejar de compadecerse de Leslie; ella se veía inconsolable.

b. compadecer

I think Cesar deserves to be punished for cheating, so I just can't sympathize.

Creo que Cesar merece ser castigado por haber hecho trampa, así que no lo compadezco.

2. (to relate to; often used with "with")

a. comprender

I can sympathize with your situation, but the harsh reality is that your paper is late.

Puedo comprender tu situación, pero la dura realidad es que tu trabajo está retrasado.

3. (to support; used with "with")

a. simpatizar con

The poet was imprisoned for sympathizing with communists.

El poeta fue encarcelado por simpatizar con comunistas.