1640s, "pertaining to sympathy," from Modern Latin sympatheticus, from late Greek sympathetikos "having sympathy," from sympathein, from sympathes "having a fellow feeling, affected by like feelings" (see sympathy). In English, the meaning "having fellow feeling, susceptible to altruistic feelings" is recorded from 1718.
In the anatomical sense, "subject to a common nervous influence," the word is attested from 1769, from Modern Latin (nervus) sympathicus, coined by Jacques-Benigne Winslow (1669-1760), Danish anatomist living in Paris. Related: Sympathetical (1630s); Sympathetically (1620s).
双语例句
1. Her husband was sympathetic at first but his patience soon wore thin.
一开始她丈夫还抱以同情，可不久就失去耐心了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Build her up with kindness and a sympathetic ear.
用友善和富有同情心的倾听来重拾她的信心。
来自柯林斯例句
3. It may be that he sees you only as a sympathetic friend.
也许他只是把你当作一个可以倾诉的朋友。
来自柯林斯例句
4. His speeches against corruption may find a sympathetic hearing among some Trinidadians.
他关于反腐反贪的讲话可能会赢得一些特立尼达岛居民的支持。
来自柯林斯例句
5. Most were sympathetic once we pricked their consciences.
