simpatico

Simpatico is an adjective of Italian origin meaning pleasant, likable, or congenial. In Italian it describes someone who is friendly and easy to get along with, or something that makes a favorable impression. In English, simpatico has been borrowed to mean “likable, easy to work with, or in harmony with others.” It is usually used to describe people, but can also describe situations, as in a simpatico collaboration, though more common alternatives include congenial or harmonious.

Etymology: The word comes from Italian simpatico, which itself traces to Latin sympathicus, ultimately from Greek sympathētikos, all referring to the idea of sharing feeling or fellow feeling. In Italian the spelling reflects the root simpat-, with the noun simpatia meaning sympathy or charm. The word has masculine simpatico and feminine simpatica forms, with plural simpatici and simpatche.

Usage: In English, it commonly appears in informal speech, often without italics, as in “He’s a simpatico guy” or “They have a simpatico rapport.” In Italian the term is standard; in English it is heard in cross-cultural or travel contexts and may carry a slightly playful tone. The term is related to but distinct from sympathetic; etymologically it conveys amiability rather than emotional sympathy.

See also: congenial, likable, amiable, harmonious, compatible, sympathetic.