empathize with

USAGE SUMMARY

"empathize with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used when one person wants to express understanding or sympathy for another person’s situation. For example, "I can empathize with how frustrated you must feel right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I empathize with them.

The New York Times

I empathize with him.

The New York Times - Sports

Holmgren can empathize with Mangini.

The New York Times - Sports

I empathize with the torturer.

The New Yorker

Empathize with your boss.

Harvard Business Review

I empathize with grieving humanity.

The New York Times - Travel

I empathize with his feelings of jealousy.

The New York Times

"Empathize with your enemy," he says.

The New Yorker

And anyhow, maybe I empathize with Lonzi.

The New Yorker

They're like, "I totally empathize with that".

The New York Times - Arts

It's easy to empathize with that anger.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empathize with" to build rapport in professional settings. Showing that you understand a client's or colleague's concerns can strengthen relationships.

Common error

Don't just say you "empathize with" someone without demonstrating genuine understanding. Provide specific examples or actions that show you truly grasp their situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empathize with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. Ludwig AI provides examples that showcase its use in various contexts, demonstrating its role in expressing compassion and connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "empathize with" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that conveys understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, business, and academic settings, highlighting its versatility. When using this phrase, it's important to demonstrate genuine understanding and compassion to effectively connect with others. Alternatives such as "sympathize with" or "relate to" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sympathize with

Expresses a feeling of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune, similar to understanding their emotions.

relate to

Indicates an ability to understand or find a connection with someone else's experiences.

understand

Highlights the cognitive aspect of grasping someone's situation or feelings.

feel for

Suggests a sense of compassion and emotional connection with someone's situation.

share the feelings of

Emphasizes the act of experiencing similar emotions as another person.

be understanding of

Focuses on showing tolerance and acceptance towards someone's situation.

put oneself in someone's shoes

Highlights the act of imagining oneself in another person's situation to understand their perspective.

be compassionate towards

Indicates a deep feeling of sympathy and concern for someone's suffering.

appreciate the difficulty of

Acknowledges the challenges someone faces, showing understanding and respect.

recognize the position of

Highlights the acknowledgement and comprehension of someone's stance or predicament.

FAQs

What does it mean to "empathize with" someone?

To "empathize with" someone means to understand and share their feelings. It involves putting yourself in their position and experiencing their emotions as if they were your own.

How can I "empathize with" someone effectively?

To effectively "empathize with" someone, listen actively, try to understand their perspective, and acknowledge their feelings. Avoid judging or minimizing their experiences. Showing "be understanding of" and compassionate are key.

What are some synonyms for "empathize with"?

Some synonyms for "empathize with" include "sympathize with", "relate to", "understand", and "feel for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "empathize with" or sympathize with someone?

"Empathize with" implies a deeper understanding and sharing of feelings, while sympathize with suggests feeling sorry for someone. Empathy is generally more effective in building connections, as it shows you truly understand, not just pity, the other person's experience. "be compassionate towards".