empathic
Britishadjective
Other Word Forms
Explanation
The adjective empathic describes the ability to understand other people's feelings. There is nothing better than a truly empathic friend when you're feeling sad. Empathic people are sensitive to the way others feel, and even seem to share those feelings. If you give truly empathic support to someone who's suffered a serious, tragic loss, you may even cry along with them as they tell their story. Empathic is an older word than its close relation, the more common empathetic. These synonyms come from the Greek root pathos, or "feeling."
Vocabulary lists containing empathic
Vocabulary from "There Will Never Be an Age of Artificial Intimacy," by Sherry Turkle
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
myPerspectives 9.2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
path
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Individuals who received coaching were rated as 20% more empathic than those without coaching.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026
I happen to be someone who is hilariously conscientious and intensely empathic.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025
"She's a very empathic woman," she told BBC Sport.
From BBC • Jul. 1, 2025
He was complicated and intense and combative, and also sensitive and sweet and empathic, and wildly creative, imaginative and curious.
From Salon • May 23, 2025
Because, ultimately, the empathic gift blurred the boundaries between hunter and victim, between the successful and the defeated.
From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
