# empathize

/ˈɛmpəˌθaɪz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/empathize
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.