noun
Uncommon
empathy
EHM-puh-thee
Empathy (noun) means the ability to understand and share someone else's feelings. Example: “A good doctor needs empathy as much as medical knowledge.”
noun
1
The ability to understand and share someone else's feelings.
"A good doctor needs empathy as much as medical knowledge."
"Great teachers show empathy toward struggling students."
"Her empathy made it easy for friends to talk to her about problems."
How to use empathy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPutting yourself in someone else's shoes and really understanding how they feel.
Common mistake
Not the same as sympathy — sympathy is feeling sorry FOR someone; empathy is understanding what they feel, almost as if from inside.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
show empathy
empathy for someone
lack of empathy
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Word forms
- Plural
- empathies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A good doctor needs _____ as much as medical knowledge.
Etymology
Coined in 1909 by the psychologist Edward Titchener from Greek empatheia ("feeling into"), to translate the German word Einfühlung.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for empathy
See all rhymes for empathy →Frequently asked questions
What does “empathy” mean?
The word “empathy” means the ability to understand and share someone else's feelings. In plain terms, putting yourself in someone else's shoes and really understanding how they feel.
How do you pronounce “empathy”?
“Empathy” is pronounced EHM-puh-thee (/ˈɛmpəθi/ in IPA).
How do you use “empathy” in a sentence?
Here is “empathy” used in a sentence: “A good doctor needs empathy as much as medical knowledge.”
What part of speech is “empathy”?
“Empathy” is a noun.
Where does the word “empathy” come from?
The word “empathy” dates back to around 1909 and comes from German. Coined in 1909 by the psychologist Edward Titchener from Greek empatheia ("feeling into"), to translate the German word Einfühlung.
Is “empathy” a common word?
“Empathy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "empathy" and "sympathy"?
"Empathy" is the ability to understand and share someone else's feelings, essentially imagining yourself in their situation. "Sympathy" is feeling concern or sorrow for someone's difficulties without necessarily sharing or fully understanding their emotional experience firsthand.
What is the difference between "empathy" and "compassion"?
"Empathy" is primarily about understanding and sharing another person's feelings, while "compassion" goes a step further by combining that understanding with a genuine desire to help ease their suffering. Empathy can exist without leading to any action, whereas compassion typically implies a motivation to act.
Can empathy be learned or improved?
Yes, most experts agree empathy can be developed through practices such as active listening, perspective-taking, and consciously paying attention to others' emotions. While some people may be naturally more empathetic, it is widely considered a skill that can strengthen with deliberate effort.
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