The word "sympathetic" describes a feeling of compassion or understanding towards someone else's situation, emotions, or experiences. When you are sympathetic, you demonstrate kindness and an ability to share in another person's feelings, especially in times of trouble or hardship. This quality allows you to connect with others emotionally, showing that you care about their struggles or happiness.
The word "sympathetic" comes from the Greek word "sympatheia," which means "fellow feeling" or "compassion." It entered the English language through Latin and has been used since the late 14th century to describe emotional connections and responses that involve feelings of connection and understanding.