How to pronounce sympathetic
Say it like sim-puh-THET-ik. Sympathetic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (THET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sympathetic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sim
- puh
- THET
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sympathetic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- simGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- THETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of sympathetic
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: sim-puh-THET-ik.
What does sympathetic mean?
- of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system“sympathetic neurons”“sympathetic stimulation”
- expressing or feeling or resulting from sympathy or compassion or friendly fellow feelings; disposed toward“sympathetic to the students' cause”“a sympathetic observer”
- showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity“was charitable in his opinions of others”“kindly criticism”
Where does sympathetic come from?
Mid 17th century in the sense “relating to an affinity or paranormal influence”, from Latin sympathēticus.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with sympathetic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sympathetic.
Questions about saying sympathetic
How do you pronounce sympathetic?
Say sim-puh-THET-ik. The American pronunciation is /ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/. In British English it is /ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sympathetic?
Sympathetic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (THET). Broken into parts: sim · puh · THET · ik.
Is sympathetic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/ (sim-puh-THET-ik).