empathy
UK: ˈem.pə.θi | US: ˈem.pə.θi
n. the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
empathy = em<in> + path<feeling> + y<noun suffix>
- em<in>: From Greek en-, meaning "in" or "within."
- path<feeling>: From Greek pathos, meaning "suffering" or "experience."
- y<noun suffix>: Forms abstract nouns indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word empathy originated in the early 20th century as a translation of German Einfühlung ("feeling into"). It combines Greek em- (in) and pathos (feeling) to describe the psychological capacity to deeply understand another's emotions. The term reflects a shift from mere sympathy (feeling for someone) to a more immersive emotional connection (feeling with someone).
Her empathy made her an excellent counselor.
The novel’s strength lies in its empathy for marginalized characters.
Children develop empathy through social interactions.
He showed little empathy toward his struggling colleague.
Empathy is a key skill in conflict resolution.