sympathetic ear
7
3.6
- noun
:
oído comprensivo
- The least she could do is lend a sympathetic ear.
- lend a sympathetic ear
- find a sympathetic ear
- get a sympathetic ear
Examples
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I wish I had more to offer you than a sympathetic ear.
Blog text (5) -
For me, Lee provided the comfort of a sympathetic ear and gentle consolation.
Fiction book (1996) -
You know, it is so nice to have a sympathetic ear close by.
-
We need a sympathetic ear.
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Thanks for the sympathetic ear, Mike.
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Keep up the good work and know that you have a sympathetic ear when it comes to settling in somewhere completely foreign to you!
Blog text (11) -
The friends said the usual things: always willing to lend a sympathetic ear.
Fiction book (1999) -
So, do not hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear.
Blog text (15) -
Johanna was grateful to have found a sympathetic ear.
Fiction book (1992) -
Whenever I feel down, I appreciate having a sympathetic ear to share my thoughts with.
Synonyms
273
1.8
Feeling of understanding and sharing another person's sadness
154
3.2
Ability to understand and share another person's feelings and experiences
132
4.1
The attention of a person who listens to and thinks about your ideas
How Supportive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase combines 'sympathetic' (compassionate) with 'ear' (a readiness to listen), so the meaning 'a compassionate willingness to listen' is directly and compositionally derivable from the constituents. The metaphorical use of 'ear' as 'listener' is common and follows a standard modifier+noun pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both words should understand this expression.
Etymology
Sympathetic ear paints a simple picture of someone offering their ear and kind, sympathetic attention to hear your problems. That's why it means 'someone who will listen with care and understanding'.