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Definition of empathetic

empathetic

/ˌɛm.pəˈθɛt.ɪk/
em · pa · thet · ic
Adverb:empathetically
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empathetic Lexical Profile

empathetic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings, experiences, or perspectives of another person.

Example

"The counselor was deeply empathetic, making her clients feel genuinely heard and understood during difficult sessions."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for empathetic
Antonyms
View all antonyms for empathetic

Word Nuance & Usage

"Empathetic" and "empathic" are interchangeable in general usage, though "empathic" is often preferred in clinical psychology, while "empathetic" is distinguished from "sympathetic" by implying shared feeling rather than mere pity or concern.

• Rhymes for empathetic

• Nearby Words

emotively
empanada
empath
empathetic
empathetically
empathic
empathically

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 20th century from "empathy" (modeled after "sympathetic"), which was coined from Ancient Greek empatheia, meaning "physical affection" or "passion," from en- ("in") and pathos ("feeling").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Empathetic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/empathetic
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