empathy
/ˈɛmpəθi/noun
The ability to understand and share what another person is feeling or thinking.
Example sentences
- “Having been unemployed himself, he felt real empathy for the job seekers he counseled.”
- “Reading novels may help children develop empathy for people unlike themselves.”
Distinguish it from 'sympathy': empathy shares the feeling from inside, sympathy observes it with compassion from outside.
Featured as word of the day on April 17, 2026.
Synonyms for empathy
Antonyms
Often confused with empathy
- empathy vs sympathy
- sympathy (noun): A feeling of care and sadness for someone who is suffering or in trouble.
- empathy vs apathy
- apathy (noun): A lack of interest, feeling, or motivation toward something.
Find it in: Positive words.
Related words
kindnessThe quality of being friendly, caring, and considerate toward others.warmthA friendly, kind, and caring quality in a person or the way they behave.tenderOf meat or vegetables, soft and easy to cut and chew.tendernessThe quality of showing gentle, loving care toward others.affectionateShowing warmth, tenderness, and love.devotionThe state of being deeply committed to a person, cause, or activity, or the act of committing yourself in that way. 