Langimage
English

empathetic

|em/pa/thet/ic|

B2

/ˌɛmpəˈθɛtɪk/

(empathy)

understanding feelings

Base FormAdverb
empathyempathetically
Etymology
Etymology Information

'empathetic' originates from the Greek word 'empatheia,' where 'em-' meant 'in' and 'pathos' meant 'feeling.'

Historical Evolution

'empatheia' transformed into the German word 'Einfühlung,' and eventually became the modern English word 'empathy' through the early 20th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'in feeling,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'understanding and sharing the feelings of another.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

She was very empathetic towards her friend's situation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35