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Empathy

EM-puh-thee /ˈɛmpəθi/

nounB2GRESAT

GeneralFormal

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

More than just sympathy (feeling for someone); empathy is feeling with someone, putting yourself in their shoes.

The story behind the word. "Empathy" comes from the Greek "empatheia," meaning "passion" or "physical affection." It was coined in English in the early 20th century as a translation of the German word "Einfühlung" (meaning "feeling into"), to describe the ability to project oneself into an object of art or another person. It combines the Greek prefix "en-" (in, into) with "pathos" (feeling, suffering), literally meaning "feeling into."

Word relationships

compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. "Empathy" is understanding; "compassion" is the desire to alleviate suffering.
understanding: More general; "empathy" specifically refers to emotional understanding.

apathy: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.

Commonly confused with

sympathy: Sympathy is feeling sorrow for someone; empathy is feeling with someone, understanding their feelings as if they were your own.

Word family

empathize (verb): to understand and share the feelings of another.
empathetic (adjective): showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Collocations

deep empathy
genuine empathy
show empathy
lack empathy
cultivate empathy

Example sentences

"A good therapist must possess a high degree of empathy to connect with their clients." Describing a good listener.
"Leaders who demonstrate empathy are often more effective in motivating their teams." From a leadership book.

Memory hook

"EM-pathy" is like putting yourself "IN" someone's "PATH" to feel what they feel. Feel with others.

When not to use

For simply acknowledging someone's feelings without truly understanding or sharing them.

Fun facts

Some researchers distinguish between "cognitive empathy" (understanding what someone thinks or feels) and "affective empathy" (feeling what someone feels).