How Do You Spell EMPATHY?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛmpəθɪ] (IPA)

The word "empathy" is spelled with five letters and four distinct sounds. The IPA phonetic transcription for "empathy" is /ˈɛmpəθi/. The first sound is the short e vowel /ɛ/, followed by the consonant blend /mp/. The third sound is the schwa sound /ə/, followed by the voiceless dental fricative /θ/, which is produced by pushing air through the teeth. "Empathy" is a crucial term in the realm of emotional intelligence, referring to the ability to understand and share others' feelings.

EMPATHY Meaning and Definition

  1. Empathy is a multifaceted term that refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings, experiences, and perspectives of others. It involves not only recognizing and comprehending their emotions but also being able to mentally place oneself in their situation, cultivating a sense of shared understanding and connection. Empathy is often distinguished from sympathy, which is characterized by concern and pity, as empathy involves a deeper level of emotional identification and immersion into another person's world.

    The concept of empathy encompasses both cognitive and affective dimensions. Cognitively, it requires perceiving and recognizing the emotional states of others, including their thoughts, intentions, and needs. This cognitive component facilitates the understanding of someone's emotional state, leading to a more accurate interpretation of their perspectives. Affective empathy, on the other hand, involves an emotional response to the feelings of others, where one actually experiences a similar emotional state, albeit to varying degrees.

    Empathy plays a pivotal role in interpersonal relationships and social interactions, as it enhances communication, cooperation, and compassion. By empathizing with others, individuals can build trust, foster positive connections, and offer support in times of need. Moreover, it contributes to the development of moral reasoning and prosocial behaviors, as empathy facilitates a sense of altruism and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

    In summary, empathy is the ability to understand and share the emotions, experiences, and perspectives of others. It involves both cognitive and affective components and is essential for building meaningful relationships, promoting compassion, and fostering a more empathic and compassionate society.

  2. The reading or feeling oneself into another person, race, or thing; humanizing or anthropomorphizing objects and feeling oneself as in and part of them.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Top Common Misspellings for EMPATHY *

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Etymology of EMPATHY

The word empathy originated from the German term Einfühlung, which was coined by philosopher Robert Vischer in the late 19th century. Einfühlung translates to feeling into or feeling with. The concept was further developed and popularized by Theodor Lipps, another German philosopher, who used the term to refer to the ability to understand and share the emotions of others. The English word empathy emerged in the early 20th century, derived from the German Einfühlung.

Similar spelling words for EMPATHY

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