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Empathetic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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empathetic

[ɛmˈpæθətɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

empathy towards others

Showing empathy towards others; being able to understand and share the feelings of others.

Synonyms

compassionate, sympathetic, understanding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
empathetic

Describing someone who can deeply understand and share the feelings of another person.

  • She was very empathetic towards her friend's situation after the loss
compassionate

Refers to showing concern and care for others, often with a desire to help alleviate their suffering.

  • The compassionate nurse stayed by the patient's side and comforted him
understanding

Describes someone who is accepting and forgiving of others' faults and mistakes, often used in everyday situations.

  • Her understanding nature made it easy for people to talk to her about their problems
sympathetic

Used to express feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune, and also to denote someone who is supportive and understanding.

  • He was sympathetic when he heard about the difficulties his colleague was facing

Examples of usage

  • She is known for her empathetic nature towards her colleagues.
  • He always displays an empathetic attitude towards those in need.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Empathy is a key component of emotional intelligence, which helps people build better relationships.
  • There are different types of empathy: emotional (feeling others' emotions), cognitive (understanding others' feelings), and compassionate (wanting to help others).
  • Developing empathy can lead to more peaceful communities, as understanding can reduce conflict and foster cooperation.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures value empathy as a core virtue, promoting harmony and understanding in societies.
  • Literature often highlights empathetic characters, showing how their understanding connects them to broader social issues.
  • Art forms such as theater and film encourage empathy by allowing audiences to experience the lives and emotions of others.

Education

  • Teaching empathy in schools can improve classroom environments and enhance academic success for students.
  • Activities like role-playing help students practice being empathetic by putting themselves in others' situations.
  • Cross-cultural programs often emphasize empathy to help students understand global perspectives and develop a sense of belonging.

Neuroscience

  • Neuroscience research has shown that when we empathize with someone, our brains activate in similar ways as when we experience their emotions ourselves.
  • Mirror neurons are thought to play a significant role in empathy, as they respond when we observe others' actions and feelings.
  • Studies suggest that empathy can be taught and developed, demonstrating the plasticity of the brain's emotional pathways.

Pop Culture

  • Popular TV shows and movies often focus on empathetic heroes who strive to understand and help others, resonating with audiences.
  • Social media campaigns aimed at increasing empathy can drive awareness on various social issues, encouraging community support.
  • Books that center around personal struggles and triumphs often evoke empathy from readers, prompting deeper reflection on their own lives.

Origin of 'empathetic'

The word 'empathetic' is derived from the noun 'empathy', which originated from the Greek word 'empatheia', meaning 'passion'. The term gained popularity in the 20th century with the rise of psychology and the focus on emotional intelligence. Being empathetic is considered a valuable trait in interpersonal relationships and communication.

See also: empathize, empathizer, empathy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,381, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.