Empathize with Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To understand how someone feels and share or relate to their emotions, especially by imagining being in their situation.

Usage & Nuances

Usually followed by 'with' and a person or group. More formal and specific than 'sympathize', which means just feeling sorry. Common in discussions about understanding others. Typical phrases: 'empathize with someone', 'find it hard to empathize', 'try to empathize'.

• Spanish: empatizar con - ponerse en el lugar de
• Portuguese (BR): empatizar com - colocar-se no lugar de
• Portuguese (PT): empatizar com - colocar-se no lugar de
• Chinese (Simplified): 对...表示同情 - 与...感同身受
• Chinese (Traditional): 對...表示同情 - 與...感同身受
• Hindi: के साथ सहानुभूति रखना
• Arabic: يتعاطف مع
• Bengali: সহানুভূতিশীল হওয়া
• Russian: сочувствовать - сопереживать
• Japanese: 共感する
• Vietnamese: đồng cảm với
• Korean: 공감하다
• Turkish: empati kurmak - kendini birinin yerine koymak
• Urdu: ہمدردی کرنا
• Indonesian: berempati dengan

Example Sentences

It's important to empathize with people who are struggling.

basic

She can easily empathize with children because she remembers being one.

basic

I sometimes find it hard to empathize with my coworkers.

basic

If you try to empathize with your friend, you might understand why she's upset.

natural

It takes real effort to empathize with someone you disagree with.

natural

Good listeners don't just hear your words—they honestly empathize with you.

natural