Word
empathize
Phoneticsem·pathize
/ˈɛmpəˌθaɪz/
Definition
v. to understand and share the feelings of someone else. You use this when you feel what another person is going through, like their pain or sadness.
v. to understand and share the feelings of another person. Often used to describe the ability to experience another's emotions as if they were one's own.
Examples
“I can empathize with your frustration.”
“It is difficult to empathize with a stranger's problems when you have not experienced the same situation yourself.”
“While the board members could acknowledge the employees' concerns, they struggled to truly empathize with the daily grind of the factory floor.”
Examples
simple
“I can empathize with your frustration.”
contextual
“It is difficult to empathize with a stranger's problems when you have not experienced the same situation yourself.”
complex
“While the board members could acknowledge the employees' concerns, they struggled to truly empathize with the daily grind of the factory floor.”
Real-World Examples
“In fact, we all want to feel understood, and it's very difficult to empathize with someone else until we feel heard ourselves.” “Children can empathize with the characters and safely practice their emotions.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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