empathetic
/ˌempəˈθetɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌɛmpəθˈɛtɪk] /ˌempəˈθetɪk/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌɛmpəθˈɛtɪk] /ˌem-pə-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce empathetic (audio)/ (ame, mw)
empathetic — adjective
- empatheticpositive
- more empatheticcomparative
- most empatheticsuperlative
1. able to picture another person's situation and understand that person's feelings
able to picture another person's situation and understand that person's feelings from the inside, not just notice that they are upset.
Tanvi was empathetic when her classmate spoke about failing the driving test.
empathetic when + person describes a setback
The doctor used an empathetic tone while explaining the test results to Gabriel.
empathetic + tone in difficult conversations
Eve asked empathetic questions instead of blaming her younger brother for the accident.
Zayd seemed empathetic toward the striker who missed the final penalty.
Xiu's empathetic email helped a worried parent feel less alone.
- understanding
broader and more everyday; it may stay intellectual rather than emotional
- sympathetic
often stresses kindness or pity more than entering another person's perspective
- compassionate
warmer and stronger; often suggests a wish to help as well
- sensitive
broader; can describe noticing feelings quickly without fully sharing the viewpoint
- insensitive
not aware of how other people feel
- callous
stronger; showing no concern for pain or suffering
文法句型
empathetic + to/toward + person
empathetic + response / tone / listener
sound / seem + empathetic
用法筆記
Often describes a person's tone, response, or manner after hearing about another person's difficulty. It suggests trying to see the situation from that person's point of view, not simply feeling sorry for them.