empathize

American  

[em-puh-thahyz] / ˈɛm pəˌθaɪz /

especially British, empathise

verb (used without object)

empathized, empathizing

1. to experience empathy (often followed bywith ).

   His ability to empathize with people made him an excellent marriage counselor.

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empathize British  

/ ˈɛmpəˌθaɪz /

verb

1. (intr) to engage in or feel empathy

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Usage

What does empathize mean? To empathize with someone is to imagine or try to deeply understand what they are feeling or what it’s like to be in their situation.The ability or the practice of doing this is called empathy, which is often described as the ability to feel what others are feeling as if you are feeling it yourself. So, to empathize is to feel empathy for someone. People who do this are described as empathetic.Some people use the word empathize interchangeably or in overlapping ways with the word sympathize, which generally means to share someone else’s emotions, especially sadness. However, others distinguish the two terms by emphasizing the importance of empathizing with others (feeling their pain) as opposed to sympathizing with them (feeling sorry for them).Example: Having faced many of the same challenges, Nyala is able to empathize with other immigrants and what they go through. 

Etymology

Origin of empathize

First recorded in 1920–25; empath(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

Seeing as he immigrated from Tel Aviv to New York City himself, he should be able to empathize with the loneliness that comes with being an expat.

From MarketWatch

You develop an adult level of awareness to rationalize and empathize with your situation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Reiner saw tragedy and sadness in the death of Kirk because he was able to empathize with the loss of life, no matter the difference of opinion.

From Los Angeles Times

No one understands, explicates and empathizes with mothers and daughters, love and pain, life and all it entails, quite like Ms. Hudes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Of course, this doesn’t excuse her inability to empathize with you after the party.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• sympathize