empathic

adjective

em·​path·​ic em-ˈpa-thik 

im-

: involving, characterized by, or based on empathy : empathetic

It is also during early childhood that people begin experiencing empathic guilt—feeling distress when they have been the cause of someone else's discomfort.

—Joseph Alper

empathically

em-ˈpa-thi-k(ə-)lē 

im-

adverb

listening empathically

Synonyms of empathic

• compassionate
• sympathetic

Examples of empathic in a Sentence

gave an empathic nod as I recounted my repeated efforts to land a decent-paying job in a tough economy

Recent Examples on the Web

Its principles emphasize empathic leadership as a hallmark of leading companies and best workplaces. —CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026

Timid, pious, and empathic to a fault, the heroine of Mansfield Park spends a good deal of time trembling and blushing. —Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026

The story underscores the complexity of survival versus meaningful survival, and shows how definitive, skilled, empathic communication can shape a family’s choice and experience. —Emily Boss, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

And his approach to directing is as empathic as his films. —James Somers, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for empathic

• feldspathic
• felspathic
• allopathic
• cytopathic
• naturopathic
• neuropathic
• psychopathic
• telepathic
• homeopathic
• idiopathic
• osteopathic
• sociopathic

Medical Definition

empathic

adjective

em·​path·​ic em-ˈpath-ik, im- 

: involving, characterized by, or based on empathy

empathically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb