empathize

verb

em·​pa·​thize ˈem-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce empathize (audio)
empathized; empathizing

intransitive verb

: to experience empathy
empathized with his son's fears
empathizer noun

Examples of empathize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Actively listening and empathizing humanizes conversations, fostering deep client understanding. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Madison, who lived in the Mansion decades after Stratten, empathized with how the young Dorothy must have felt. Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 People still learn and their brains develop an understanding of the context of the other individuals, which is very important for understanding and empathizing with their plight and wanting to help. Quanta Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024 Lue, the best player on his high school and college teams who became a role player in the NBA, can empathize with the gap between Powell’s self-belief and nightly role. Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2024 In an area like sales in particular, which requires empathizing with customers, a high emotional intelligence is a major asset that cannot be replaced with AI digital workers. Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Anyone who has tried to grow out a bob can empathize, as there's that awkward stage between bob and lob where your hair is too long to do its own thing, but still too short to pull up and out of the way. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Feb. 2024 Tish empathized with other women who may be in similar situations. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 8 Feb. 2024 Unlike traditional leadership models, where the focus is often on the leader, servant leadership pivots toward understanding and empathizing with your team. Chris Kille, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'empathize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empathize was circa 1916

Dictionary Entries Near empathize

Cite this Entry

“Empathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

empathize

intransitive verb
em·​pa·​thize
variants or British empathise
empathized or British empathised; empathizing or British empathising
: to experience empathy
adults unable to empathize with a child's frustrations

More from Merriam-Webster on empathize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!