display of empathy

USAGE SUMMARY

"display of empathy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is showing or expressing understanding and compassion for another person's feelings or experiences. For example, "The man's display of empathy towards the struggling family was admirable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Is this fleeting display of empathy just for show?

The Guardian - Film

In an apparent display of empathy, ethics are buried under the easy money charged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although it may be a conscious exercise, a display of empathy is still best delivered in an informal setting.

Harvard Business Review

President Trump gave a rare display of empathy at a prison-reform meeting at the White House on Friday.

The New York Times

Once in a while, as Callum Borchers pointed out, in the Washington Post, Lewandowski will emit a brief display of empathy.

The New Yorker

3. Effective display of empathy.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

After about twenty minutes of virtually nonstop displays of empathy, a Clinton aide said, "we decided to shut it down".

The New Yorker

Even as they recognised his genius for communication, many held their nose at Bill Clinton's public displays of empathy.

The Guardian - Opinion

More than anything else, the protesters seemed to resent Trump's exploitation of Detroit's troubles, his ersatz displays of empathy.

The New Yorker

It will be interesting to see if Ricci's presence today stirs Sotomayor, or any of the senators, a bunch of (mostly) white guys who have spent all week condemning displays of empathy.

The New Yorker

JERUSALEM — With Hebrew phrases, testaments to Israel's ancient roots, expressions of deep admiration and displays of empathy, President Obama has captured the hearts of many here over the past two days, appearing to erase years of skepticism and wariness overnight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine “display of empathy” with a context of social interactions to clearly present the situations where it is more useful.

Common error

Avoid using "display of empathy" when you actually mean "display of sympathy". Empathy involves understanding another person's feelings, while sympathy involves feeling sorry for them. A "display of empathy" demonstrates understanding, not necessarily pity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "display of empathy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the act of showing or expressing empathy, often in a visible or noticeable way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "display of empathy" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase, though relatively uncommon in overall usage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in written English. Its primary function is to describe an outward expression of understanding and compassion. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal/business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are describing specific actions and not simply stating that someone is empathetic. Understanding the difference between empathy and sympathy is also crucial to accurate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empathic response

This alternative focuses on the empathic type of action

act of compassion

Emphasizes the compassionate action taken.

expression of sympathy

Focuses on the verbal or nonverbal communication of sympathetic feelings.

showing of understanding

Highlights the demonstration of comprehension of another's situation.

manifestation of concern

Stresses the outward sign of worry or care for someone.

gesture of support

Highlights the supportive nature of the action.

sign of goodwill

Focuses on the positive intention behind the action.

outburst of emotion

Highlights a sudden, strong show of feeling.

feeling of kinship

Emphasizes a sense of shared connection or understanding.

emotional response

Focuses on the emotional reaction to a situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively show a "display of empathy" in a professional setting?

To effectively show a "display of empathy" in a professional setting, actively listen to your colleagues, acknowledge their feelings, and offer support without judgment. Use phrases like, "I understand this is frustrating" or "How can I help?" to demonstrate your understanding and willingness to assist.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "display of empathy"?

You can use alternatives such as "act of compassion", "expression of sympathy", or "showing of understanding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to show a "display of empathy"?

While empathy is generally positive, it's important to gauge the situation. Overly emotional displays can be inappropriate in some contexts. Aim for genuine understanding and support, but maintain professional boundaries.

What's the difference between a "display of empathy" and a "display of sympathy"?

A "display of empathy" involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person, while a "display of sympathy" involves feeling pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. Empathy focuses on understanding, sympathy on feeling sorry.