Empathy: meaning, definitions and examples

Empathy is best used when you want to describe the ability to deeply understand and share the feelings of another person as if you were experiencing those feelings yourself.

• She showed great empathy for her friend who was going through a tough time
• He could empathize with the character in the movie because he had gone through similar struggles

Compassion is most appropriate when emphasizing a desire to help or relieve the suffering of others. It's about recognizing someone's pain and wanting to take action to help.

• His compassion for the homeless led him to volunteer at the shelter
• She felt a deep compassion for the victims of the natural disaster and donated generously

Understanding is best used when you want to highlight the awareness or knowledge of another person's situation, feelings, or perspective without necessarily sharing or feeling those emotions as deeply.

• She had an understanding attitude towards her brother's difficulties
• They appreciated his understanding of their challenges at work

Sympathy is suitable when you acknowledge someone's hardship and feel sorrow for them. It indicates a supportive understanding but not necessarily a shared feeling as deep as empathy.

• He expressed his sympathy to his colleague after the loss of a loved one
• She sent a sympathy card to her friend who was grieving

Best used when talking about the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person or group. It involves putting yourself in someone else's shoes.

• Her empathy made her an excellent counselor

Use when referring to being easily affected by the feelings and thoughts of others or by environmental factors. It can be both positive and negative, depending on the situation.

• His sensitivity to criticism makes it hard for him to receive feedback

Appropriate in discussions about the capability to identify, understand, manage, and use one's own emotions in positive ways to communicate effectively, empathize with others, and resolve conflicts. Often used in professional or personal development contexts.

• Her emotional intelligence helps her navigate difficult team dynamics at work

Use when referring to showing kindness and concern for others. It is often used to describe someone who takes action to help others.

• He is very caring towards his elderly neighbors, always helping them with their groceries