How to pronounce sympathize
Say it like SIM-puh-thyze. Sympathize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sympathize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIM
- puh
- thyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sympathize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SIMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- thyzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of sympathize
American and British speakers say sympathize in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪz/ in the US and /ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIM-puh-thyze.
What does sympathize mean?
- To have, show or express sympathy; to be affected by feelings similar to those of another, in consequence of knowing the person to be thus affected; to feel for.
- To support, favor, have sympathy (with a political cause or movement, a side in a conflict / in an action).
- To say in an expression of sympathy.
Where does sympathize come from?
Borrowed from French sympathizer.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- understand
- sympathise
Questions about saying sympathize
How do you pronounce sympathize?
Say SIM-puh-thyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sympathize?
Sympathize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM). Broken into parts: SIM · puh · thyze.
Do Americans and Brits say sympathize the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.