empathy - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
empathy Word Meanings
- the ability to understand and share the feelings of others
- emotional understanding
- compassionate identification with someone else's situation
empathy Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
empathy Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɛmpəθi/
US
/ˈɛmpəθi/
empathy Word Etymology
empathy is derived from 'em-' meaning 'in' + 'pathos' meaning 'feeling'. It originated from Greek, passed through German in the late 19th century into English. Imagine someone stepping into another's shoes and feeling their joy or pain deeply, as if their heart is connected.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, and it goes beyond simply feeling sorry for someone. It involves both cognitive and emotional components: recognizing another’s emotional state, and emotionally resonating with it to a degree. People can show empathy by listening closely, asking thoughtful questions, and imagining themselves in the other person’s shoes, without judging or trying to fix everything immediately. In daily life and in professional contexts, empathy helps build trust, reduce conflict, and support others effectively. While sympathy expresses concern, empathy seeks to feel with someone and honor their experience.
Usage Reminders
- Listen actively
- Name the emotion you hear to show understanding
- Reflect back what you think they feel
- Avoid rushing to give solutions or judgments
- Be mindful of cultural differences in expressing emotion
- Practice empathy in small, everyday conversations
Common Misconceptions
- Empathy = sympathy; they are the same
- You must agree with the other person to show empathy
- Empathy requires you to feel exactly what the other person feels
- Empathy is a fixed trait you either have or don’t
- Empathy is only about negative emotions
Thinking Differences
In English, empathy is often framed as understanding and sharing feelings; learners may confuse it with sympathy or think it requires agreement with the other person.
Learning Tips
- Practice active listening
- Label emotions you hear from others
- Summarize their feelings back to them
- Ask open-ended questions to explore emotions
- Watch nonverbal cues for emotional state
- Use real-life role-plays to rehearse
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'empathy'?
A.Sadness
B.Anger
C.Understanding
D.Confusion
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'empathy' correctly?
A.I showed empathy when I shouted at my friend.
B.She lacked empathy and didn't try to understand his feelings.
C.Empathy is when you ignore others' emotions.
D.Empathy is selfish and uncaring.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'empathy'?
A.Hate
B.Jealousy
C.Indifference
D.Sympathy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'empathy'?
A.Compassion
B.Understanding
C.Kindness
D.Cruelty
Step 5: Mastery
How can you show empathy in real-life situations?
A.Listening and trying to understand others' perspectives
B.Being selfish and unresponsive
C.Mocking others' emotions
D.Ignoring others' feelings
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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