Meaning & Definition of Sympathetic in English

1. Of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system

• "Sympathetic neurons"

• "Sympathetic stimulation"

2. Expressing or feeling or resulting from sympathy or compassion or friendly fellow feelings

• Disposed toward

• "Sympathetic to the students' cause"

• "A sympathetic observer"

• "A sympathetic gesture"

3. Showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

• "Was charitable in his opinions of others"

• "Kindly criticism"

• "A kindly act"

• "Sympathetic words"

• "A large-hearted mentor"

4. (of characters in literature or drama) evoking empathic or sympathetic feelings

• "The sympathetic characters in the play"

5. Having similar disposition and tastes

• "With their many similar tastes, he found her a most sympathetic companion"

6. Relating to vibrations that occur as a result of vibrations in a nearby body

• "Sympathetic vibration"