Empathize

/ˈɛm.pæθ.aɪz/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To understand and share the feelings of another person.

She was able to empathize with his struggles, having faced similar challenges in her own life.

To identify with or be aware of the feelings, thoughts, or experiences of others.

In her role as a counselor, she must empathize with her clients to help them effectively.

To project one's own emotional experience onto others.

He could empathize with the character in the story, feeling their pain and joy as if it were his own.

To be compassionate and understanding toward someone else's situation.

It’s important to empathize with children when they express their feelings about difficult situations.

Derived from the word 'empathy', originating in the early 20th century, influenced by German 'Einfühlung'.

empathize with someone

To understand and feel someone else's emotions.

empathize deeply

To feel a strong emotional connection with someone's situation.

lack of empathy

Inability to understand or share the feelings of others.

empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

sympathy

Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.

compassion

Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

Get where someone is coming from

I really get where you're coming from; I've been through that too.

Feel your pain

I feel your pain, man; it's tough out there.