Dec 6, 2025 sympathetic ˌsim-pə-ˈthe-tik 4 syllables uncommon ‹ adjective. existing or operating through an affinity, interdependence, or mutual association the biographer's approach was sympathetica sympathetic gesture adjective. appropriate to one's mood, inclinations, or disposition not sympathetic to the ideaa sympathetic role in the play adjective. marked by kindly or pleased appreciation noun. a sympathetic structure; especially: sympathetic nervous system › Origin New Latin sympatheticus, from Latin sympathia sympathy.