Empathize

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈɛmpəˌθaɪz/

Alternative forms

• empathise (British, Canadian, Australian)

Full definition of empathize

Verb

1. (intransitive) to feel empathy for another person
• 2001, Alias (TV, episode 1.03)Must have been ... devastating when Kenny was killed. But I want you to know that you can trust me. I understand you. I empathize.

Usage notes

Used similarly to sympathize, interchangeably in looser usage. In stricter usage, empathize is stronger and more intimate, while sympathize is weaker and more distant; see .