Empathetic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Empathetic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who shows an ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Example: "Her empathetic nature made her an excellent counselor, as she could easily connect with her clients' emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, it's right that people should shed an empathetic tear for those miners, and miners everywhere, in all of human history, taking this opportunity to thank each of them, from the bottom of our hearts, for the remarkable work that they do every day.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Chris Twine, director of student services, University of Birmingham) "Try to be empathetic and approachable, and remember that a student's front stage performance may not reflect what they are really feeling.

The Guardian

All those she met immediately warmed to her empathetic nature and her genuine concern for their wellbeing.

The Guardian

In fact, from my own experience, far from women refusing to recruit attractive younger women on the off chance they might then find themselves a boyfriend and go off into the sunset making babies, women tend to be a bit more empathetic and a bit more understanding when it comes to issues like other people's family commitments and caring responsibilities.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can't see them making a musical out of it, admittedly, but it's by no means a "difficult" movie, carried along by tension and heart-rendingly empathetic performances.

The Guardian - Film

I'm empathetic with anything that's clumsy or inarticulate".

The Guardian - Books

The events that unfolded said a lot about what it means to be empathetic, to overcome dissent and face common enemies: Thatcher, the tabloids, the police.

The Guardian - Film

Even the briefest of human communication had a disproportionately powerful and positive effect if it was based on an empathetic approach.

The Guardian

They need to know that those mediating get this feeling, not at a rational but at an empathetic level.

The Guardian - Opinion

Through a variety of interventions, such as individual and group counselling, psycho-educational workshops, and interactive self-help resources, university counselling services can help students in a professional, empathetic and non-judgmental way gain insight and awareness into their difficulties.

The Guardian

Star Wards charity enthusiastically uses patient insights to improve the practice and quality of inpatient mental healthcare and create a more empathetic and therapeutic space on hospital wards.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey understanding and shared feelings, prioritize using "Empathetic" in situations where you want to emphasize the ability to connect with and appreciate another person's emotional state deeply.

Common error

While both words relate to understanding others' feelings, avoid using "Empathetic" when you simply want to express sorrow or pity. Reserve "Empathetic" to emphasize the ability to truly understand and share another person's emotions, distinguishing it from mere sympathy.

Linguistic Context

The word "Empathetic" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something that shows empathy. Ludwig AI confirms that "Empathetic" is grammatically correct. For instance, one might speak of an "empathetic leader" or an "empathetic approach".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Empathetic" is a versatile adjective used to describe the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. Common alternatives include "compassionate", "understanding", and "sympathetic". A key point to remember is to use "Empathetic" when emphasizing a deep connection with another's emotions, distinguishing it from mere sympathy. Using "Empathetic" effectively enhances the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Compassionate

Focuses on the feeling of pity and desire to help someone who is suffering.

Understanding

Emphasizes the ability to comprehend and appreciate another person's feelings.

Sympathetic

Highlights a feeling of sorrow or concern for someone's well-being.

Caring

Stresses the act of showing kindness and concern for others.

Kindhearted

Emphasizes the inherent goodness and generosity of a person's nature.

Considerate

Focuses on being mindful of other people's feelings and needs.

Sensitive

Highlights an awareness and responsiveness to the emotions of others.

Tenderhearted

Implies a gentle and easily moved emotional nature.

Warmhearted

Conveys a sense of genuine kindness and generosity.

Benevolent

Emphasizes a desire to do good and promote the well-being of others.

FAQs

How can I use "Empathetic" in a sentence?

You can use "Empathetic" to describe someone who understands and shares the feelings of others. For instance, "Her "empathetic" nature made her an excellent counselor."

What are some alternatives to the word "Empathetic"?

Alternatives to "Empathetic" include "compassionate", "understanding", or "sympathetic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "Empathetic" and "Sympathetic"?

"Empathetic" describes the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, while "Sympathetic" refers to feeling pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. Empathy involves a deeper level of understanding and connection.

When is it most appropriate to use the word "Empathetic"?

Use "Empathetic" when you want to highlight the capacity to deeply understand and connect with the emotions of others, rather than simply feeling sorry for them. It's particularly fitting in contexts involving counseling, caregiving, or leadership.