Empathy – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence

07.30.2023 3min Language rules
Updated on 02.13.2025

Empathy-01

There are people who search for the definitions of various English words, terms, and phrases. Although some are frequently used, some are not aware of their true origins and use them for stylistic purposes only. The purpose of this article is to provide a thorough understanding of the term β€œempathy,” including its origins and proper spelling.

Definition of β€œempathy”

β€œEmpathy” is the ability to understand and connect with the thoughts and feelings of others. It involves seeing things from their perspective and sympathizing with their emotions on a deep level. β€œEmpathy” is derived from the Greek word β€œempatheia” and the German term β€œEinfΓΌhlung”.

Use of β€œempathy” in a sentence

In the English language, the word β€œempathy” functions as a noun. The following examples illustrate how to use the word in a sentence.

Examples

  • She displayed empathy when her friend shared their hardships.
  • His empathy allowed him to connect deeply with others’ experiences.
  • With empathy, she understood how her colleague felt after a tough day.

How to spell β€œempathy” correctly

β€œEmpathy” is often misspelled as β€œempety”, β€œempthay”, and β€œempahty”. The only correct way of spelling the word is β€œempathy” and consists of two parts in Greek:

  • β€œem-” – meaning β€œin”
  • β€œpathos” – meaning β€œfeeling”

Correct spelling

empathy

Β 

Β 

Wrong spelling

empety

empthay

empahty

Synonyms for β€œempathy”

It can be beneficial to use synonyms of β€œempathy” as they can provide a wider range of words with comparable meanings, which can help to enhance the quality of expression. By using synonyms, your writing can be enriched by avoiding repetition. Below are four examples of synonyms for β€œempathy” along with sample sentences for each:

Synonym Examples
Compassion He showed great empathy towards the homeless man.
He showed great compassion towards the homeless man.
Concern Sarah expressed genuine empathy for her colleague's well-being.
Sarah expressed genuine concern for her colleague's well-being.
Sensitivity The teacher's empathy for her students' emotions helped create a safe environment.
The teacher's sensitivity to her students' emotions helped create a safe environment.
Understanding With empathy, she realized the challenges her friend was facing.
With understanding, she realized the challenges her friend was facing.

FAQs

Empathy is about understanding and sharing the emotions, thoughts, and perspectives of others. It requires actively connecting with their emotions and showing genuine care for their well-being.

β€œJane displayed empathy towards her colleague who was facing a challenging time by offering support.”

The word β€œempathy” in this sentence refers to Jane’s ability to comprehend and share her colleague’s emotions and experiences. This illustrates that Jane exhibited concern and cared for her colleague during their tough circumstances, fostering a sympathetic and understanding environment.

Empathy is the act of comprehending and sympathizing with the emotions and viewpoints of others while demonstrating concern and consideration for their well-being.

The word β€œempathy” originated from the German term β€œEinfΓΌhlung”. It is a compound word, combining β€œein” (meaning β€œin”) and β€œFΓΌhlung” (meaning β€œfeeling” or β€œsensation”).

  • Empathy: Feeling with others, understanding their emotions, and connecting on a deep emotional level by putting oneself in their shoes.
  • Sympathy: Feeling for others, expressing care and concern for their well-being without necessarily sharing their emotional experience or fully understanding their perspective.

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By
Salome Stolle
 
About the author

Salome Stolle works as the brand manager for the English market at BachelorPrint. Throughout her 12-year residency in Denmark, she completed her International baccalaureate and Master’s in Culture, Communication, and Globalization with a specialization in media and market consumption. Through this experience, she has gained advanced competencies in academic writing and a high proficiency level in the English language. With her passion for writing, she does not only deliver well-written content but also strives to adjust to the students’ demands.

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Bibliography
Stolle, S. (2023, July 30). Empathy – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/definitions/empathy/ (retrieved 10.22.2026)
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(Stolle , 2023)
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Stolle (2023)
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Stolle, Salome. 2023. "Empathy – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence." BachelorPrint, Retrieved October 23, 2026. https://www.bachelorprint.com/definitions/empathy/.
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(Stolle 2023)
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Salome Stolle, "Empathy – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence," BachelorPrint, July 30, 2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/definitions/empathy/ (retrieved October 23, 2026).
Footnotes
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Stolle, "Shortened title."
Bibliography
Stolle, Salome: Empathy – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence, in: BachelorPrint, 07.30.2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/definitions/empathy/ (retrieved 10.22.2026).
Footnotes
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Stolle, Salome: Empathy – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence, in: BachelorPrint, 07.30.2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/definitions/empathy/ (retrieved 10.22.2026).
Direct quote
Stolle, 2023.
Indirect quote
Stolle, 2023.
Bibliography
Stolle, Salome (2023): Empathy – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/definitions/empathy/ (retrieved 10.22.2026).
In-text citation
Direct quote
(Stolle, 2023)
Indirect quote
(Stolle, 2023)
Narrative
Stolle (2023)
Bibliography
Stolle, Salome. "Empathy – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence." BachelorPrint, 07.30.2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/definitions/empathy/ (retrieved 10.22.2026).
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Stolle)
Narrative
Stolle
Bibliography
Number. Stolle S. Empathy – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2023 [cited 10.22.2026]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/definitions/empathy/


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