# empathic

/ɛmpˈæθɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/empathic
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

showing that you understand and share how another person feels. You use it to describe kind listening and caring responses.

For teachers: showing or arising from empathy; sensitive to another person's feelings, thoughts, or perspective. Often precedes nouns denoting response or communication, such as 'concern' or 'listening'.

## Examples

- She gives empathic advice to all her friends.
- The nurse takes an empathic approach, listening carefully while patients describe their pain and worries.
- An empathic manager notices quiet stress in the team and adjusts deadlines before burnout spreads through the group.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies or after linking verbs like 'be' and 'seem'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.