capable of empathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of empathy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that someone has the capacity to understand and share the feelings of another. For example: "She was an amazing teacher who was always kind and understanding, capable of empathy even in the most challenging situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

All too often, neither side seems capable of empathy.

Stanford University

I wish she were kind, but she has never seemed capable of empathy.

The New York Times - Magazine

The way she didn't baby us, but treated us like thoughtful people, capable of empathy.

The New Yorker

But they suggest a provocative diagnostic tool for assessing mental health: to what extent is an individual capable of empathy?

The New York Times - Books

In fact, most white supremacists are perfectly capable of empathy and gratitude but only for members of their own group.

University of California, Berkeley

This is not me being cynical – of course I'm capable of empathy for the people I care about, and vice versa.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

We are all capable of individual empathy, but our collective empathy sometimes fails.

The Guardian - Books

But despite the silliness, Ferguson was capable of enormous empathy.

The Guardian

Unlike dogs or cats, she says, dolphins are clearly capable of displaying empathy.

The Guardian

Elephants are one of a small number of animals capable of heightened empathy, Mr. Plotnik said.

The New York Times

It makes a child seem permanently heartless, rather than capable of feeling empathy, which almost all are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to understand and share the feelings of others, use "capable of empathy" to clearly convey their emotional intelligence. Ensure that the context highlights actions or behaviors that demonstrate this capability.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of empathy" when the situation only calls for sympathy or pity. Empathy involves understanding and sharing feelings, not just feeling sorry for someone. Ensure the context genuinely reflects shared understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of empathy" functions as an adjective phrase describing someone's ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often modifies nouns referring to people or even animals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of empathy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone's ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and examples show its relevance across news, academic, and scientific domains. While often used interchangeably with "empathetic", the phrase emphasizes the ability or potential for empathy. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the true understanding and sharing of emotions, not just sympathy. Remember that being "capable of empathy" doesn't necessarily mean one always demonstrates it or even likes the person they empathize with, but that they possess the capacity to understand their feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empathetic

A shorter, single-word adjective directly describing someone who possesses empathy.

having the capacity for empathy

Rephrases "capable" with "having the capacity for", adding a slightly more formal tone.

able to understand others' feelings

Focuses on the understanding aspect of empathy, highlighting cognitive ability.

possessing empathy

Emphasizes ownership or inherent quality of having empathy.

understanding and sharing feelings

Breaks down empathy into its two core components: understanding and sharing.

sensitive to others' emotions

Highlights the emotional awareness and responsiveness component of empathy.

adept at understanding emotions

Emphasizes skill and proficiency in recognizing and interpreting emotions.

compassionate

Focuses on the sympathetic concern for others' suffering.

able to relate to others

Focuses on the ability to form connections and understand others' experiences.

emotionally intelligent

Highlights the broader concept of understanding and managing emotions, including those of others.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of empathy" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of empathy" to describe someone who understands and shares the feelings of others. For example, "A good leader is "sensitive to others' emotions" and "compassionate", "able to understand others' feelings" and is, therefore, truly capable of empathy."

What are some alternatives to "capable of empathy"?

Alternatives include "empathetic", "compassionate", or "sensitive to others' emotions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "has empathy" or "capable of empathy"?

"Has empathy" suggests someone possesses empathy as a trait. "Capable of empathy" emphasizes the ability or potential to understand and share feelings, even if not always demonstrated. They're often interchangeable, but the latter highlights potential.

Can you be "capable of empathy" for someone you dislike?

Yes, being "capable of empathy" doesn't require liking someone. It means you have the ability to understand their feelings, even if you don't agree with them or approve of their actions. This is different from "compassionate".