empathy toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empathy toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings of understanding and compassion for someone else's situation or experiences. Example: "She showed great empathy toward her friend who was going through a difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"When you read out loud you develop empathy toward yourself".

The New York Times

As the report explains, "attributing crime to racial minorities limits empathy toward offenders and encourages retribution".

The New Yorker

In Charcoal Joe, Mosley's empathy toward the sex workers Augusta Tryman and Lolo Bowles is striking.

The Guardian - Books

Ideally, this kind of access might engender empathy toward people who often seem larger than life.

The New Yorker

This usually involves a continuous supply of red wine, enormous patience and real empathy toward their position and profession.

The New York Times

And it doesn't help him to have any particular insight or empathy toward his Uncle Nugent, either.

The New Yorker

It meant cultivating empathy toward other people, particularly the rural poor whose numbers were increasing as the Industrial Revolution progressed.

The New York Times - Arts

But, as medical students experienced more burnout, there was a corresponding drop in the level of empathy toward patients.

The New York Times - Health

The activists had only a vague awareness of the West's crisis of empathy toward refugees, especially Muslim ones.

The New Yorker

The researchers said the study suggested that chimpanzees -- known to have a developed sense of self and empathy toward others -- were more like humans than previously thought.

The New York Times

Nobody would deny that parents should feel empathy toward their children, or that romantic love requires the bond that empathy provides.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empathy toward" when you want to emphasize understanding and sharing the feelings of another person or group. It is particularly effective in contexts where building connection and rapport is important.

Common error

Avoid using "sympathy" and "empathy" interchangeably. While both involve understanding others' feelings, "empathy" implies a deeper, shared understanding, while "sympathy" can be more detached.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empathy toward" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a feeling of understanding and sharing the emotions of another. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its consistent use in conveying compassion and connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "empathy toward" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey understanding and compassion for others. Ludwig AI confirms its common occurrence in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discussions. While interchangeable with alternatives like "compassion for" or "understanding of", "empathy toward" specifically emphasizes a shared emotional experience. Using it effectively can enhance your writing by showing a deeper connection with the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassion for

Focuses specifically on sympathetic feelings, highlighting the emotional aspect of understanding someone's suffering.

sympathy for

Emphasizes a shared feeling of sorrow or pity for someone's misfortune.

understanding of

Highlights cognitive comprehension and insight into someone's situation or feelings, rather than emotional connection.

sensitivity to

Implies an awareness and responsiveness to the needs and feelings of others.

concern for

Suggests a sense of worry and care for someone's well-being, especially during a difficult time.

regard for

Implies a feeling of respect and consideration for the value and importance of someone.

consideration for

Focuses on thoughtful awareness and careful attention to someone's circumstances.

pity for

Emphasizes sorrowful feelings about someone's misfortune, sometimes implying a sense of superiority.

charity toward

Focuses on generosity and kindness, often involving practical help or material assistance.

benevolence toward

Highlights a disposition to do good and be kind, emphasizing a generous and compassionate attitude.

FAQs

How to use "empathy toward" in a sentence?

You can use "empathy toward" to show understanding and compassion for someone's situation. For example, "The therapist showed great "empathy toward" her patients."

What can I say instead of "empathy toward"?

You can use alternatives like "compassion for", "sympathy for", or "understanding of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to express "empathy toward" or "sympathy toward" someone?

"Empathy toward" implies a deeper understanding and sharing of feelings, while "sympathy toward" suggests a more detached feeling of pity or sorrow. The choice depends on the context and the relationship you have with the person.

When is it appropriate to use "empathy toward" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "empathy toward" in any context where you want to highlight understanding and compassion for others' experiences. This could include discussions about social issues, personal relationships, or even business interactions.