English Reference
Verb

empathize

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɛmpəˌθaɪz/ em·pathize UK spelling empathized, empathizes, empathizing

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.


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.

Children can empathize with the characters and safely practice their emotions.

Phys.org· 10 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated