English

Alternative forms

• empathise (British, Canadian, Australian)

Verb

empathize ‎(third-person singular simple present empathizes, present participle empathizing, simple past and past participle empathized)

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 empathy: usage notes.

Translations