Understanding type is match for a breakdown (11)

I believe the answer is:

sympathetic

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'understanding' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'type is match for a breakdown' is the wordplay.
'type is match' can be anagrammed to 'SYMPATHETIC'.
However, I am not clear how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sympathetic that I've seen before include "Understanding" , "Compassionate" , "Showing fellow-feeling" , "Likeable; sensitively designed" , "Likable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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