Empath: meaning, definitions and examples
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empath
[ ˈɛmpəθi ]
ability to understand and share the feelings of others
Empathy is the capacity to comprehend and resonate with the emotions and perspectives of others. It involves putting oneself in someone else's shoes and experiencing their emotions as if they were your own. Empathy is considered a key component of emotional intelligence and plays a crucial role in building strong relationships and fostering understanding between individuals.
Synonyms
compassion, sympathy, understanding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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empath |
Used when referring to someone who can deeply understand and almost feel the emotions of others. Often associated with a heightened sense of emotional intuition.
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compassion |
Appropriate when expressing a deep concern for the suffering of others, typically involving a desire to help.
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understanding |
Relates to the ability to grasp the reasons behind someone's feelings or actions, often used in a broader context beyond just emotions.
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sympathy |
Used to express feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. Usually involves less direct emotional involvement than empathy.
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Examples of usage
- Her empathy towards the homeless man led her to volunteer at a shelter.
- Having empathy allows us to connect with others on a deeper level.
- Empathy is essential for effective communication and conflict resolution.
identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives
Empathy involves not only recognizing the emotions of others but also understanding the reasons behind those emotions. It requires a deep level of emotional intelligence and the ability to see the world from someone else's perspective. Empathy enables individuals to build trust, foster cooperation, and create a sense of unity with others.
Synonyms
caring, emotional intelligence, sensitivity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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empath |
Refers to someone who has a high degree of empathy and can deeply understand and often feel the emotions of others, almost as if they were their own.
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emotional intelligence |
Refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This term is often used in professional and interpersonal contexts.
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sensitivity |
Describes a person's ability to be easily affected by emotions, situations, or the feelings of others. While sensitivity can be positive, it can also imply being overly reactive to criticism or negative situations.
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caring |
Describes someone who shows kindness and concern for others. This word is often used in a general sense to describe helpful and considerate behavior.
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Examples of usage
- His empathy towards his colleagues helped improve team dynamics.
- Empathy allows us to navigate complex social interactions more effectively.
- Showing empathy can lead to a more harmonious work environment.
Translations
Translations of the word "empath" in other languages:
🇵🇹 empata
🇮🇳 सहानुभूति
🇩🇪 Empath
🇮🇩 empati
🇺🇦 емпат
🇵🇱 empata
🇯🇵 エンパス
🇫🇷 empath
🇪🇸 empático
🇹🇷 empati
🇰🇷 공감하는 사람
🇸🇦 متعاطف
🇨🇿 empat
🇸🇰 empat
🇨🇳 共情者
🇸🇮 empat
🇮🇸 samúðarmaður
🇰🇿 эмпат
🇬🇪 ემპატი
🇦🇿 empath
🇲🇽 empático
Etymology
The term 'empathy' was coined in the early 20th century by psychologist Edward Titchener, who derived it from the German word 'Einfühlung,' meaning 'feeling into.' The concept of empathy has roots in philosophy and psychology, with early thinkers such as Theodor Lipps exploring the idea of 'feeling with' others. Empathy has since become a central concept in fields like psychology, sociology, and counseling, highlighting its importance in human relationships and understanding.
See also: antipathy, apathy, path, pathetic, pathfinder, pathogen, pathogenicity, pathway.