What's the Difference Between 'Empathetic' and 'Empathic'?

In this blog post we look at when to use empathetic and when to use empathic.

'Empathetic' or 'Empathic'?

The words "empathetic" and "empathic" are often used interchangeably to describe someone who is able to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Both words refer to the ability to perceive and respond to the emotional states of others, and they are closely related in meaning.

However, there is a slight difference between these words. "Empathetic" is the more commonly used term, and it refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

"Empathic," on the other hand, is a less common term that is sometimes used to describe a person who is able to perceive and respond to the emotional states of others in a particularly powerful or intense way.

In summary, "empathetic" and "empathic" are closely related in meaning, but "empathetic" is the more commonly used term to describe the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

"Empathic" is a less common term that is sometimes used to describe a particularly powerful or intense ability to perceive and respond to the emotional states of others.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference between "empathetic" and "empathic":

  • "She was an empathetic listener and was able to provide comfort and support to her friends during difficult times." (In this sentence, "empathetic" is used to describe the person's ability to understand and share the feelings of others.)

  • "He had an empathic connection with animals and seemed to be able to sense their emotions and needs." (In this sentence, "empathic" is used to describe the person's ability to perceive and respond to the emotional states of animals in a particularly powerful or intense way.)

  • "The counselor was empathetic and able to put herself in her clients' shoes, helping them to feel understood and supported." (In this sentence, "empathetic" is used to describe the person's ability to understand and share the feelings of others.)

  • "She had an empathic understanding of human psychology and was able to anticipate people's reactions and needs before they even expressed them." (In this sentence, "empathic" is used to describe the person's ability to perceive and respond to the emotional states of others in a particularly powerful or intense way.)

Examples of Empathetic in a Sentence

Here are 10 sentences using the word "empathetic":

  1. "He had an empathetic approach to problem-solving and was able to see things from other people's perspectives."

  2. "The teacher was empathetic towards her students and always tried to understand their needs and challenges."

  3. "She had an empathetic understanding of human psychology and was able to anticipate people's reactions and needs before they even expressed them."

  4. "He was an empathetic friend and always knew just the right thing to say to make you feel better."

  5. "The nurse was empathetic towards her patients and always went the extra mile to make them feel comfortable and cared for."

  6. "She had an empathetic personality and was able to connect with people from all walks of life."

  7. "The mediator was empathetic towards both sides of the dispute and was able to find a mutually beneficial resolution."

  8. "He was an empathetic listener and always made you feel heard and understood."

  9. "The coach was empathetic towards her players and always tried to find ways to motivate and encourage them."

  10. "She had an empathetic approach to conflict resolution and was able to bring people together to find common ground."

Examples of Empathic in a Sentence

Here are 10 sentences using the word "empathic":

  1. "The therapist had an empathic approach to counseling and was able to deeply connect with her clients on an emotional level."

  2. "He was an empathic listener and always seemed to know exactly what you were feeling, even if you didn't express it."

  3. "She had an empathic way of communicating and was able to make people feel understood and valued."

  4. "The healer had an empathic connection with her patients and was able to sense their physical and emotional imbalances."

  5. "He was an empathic leader and always made sure that everyone on his team felt heard and supported."

  6. "She had an empathic understanding of different cultures and was able to connect with people from all over the world."

  7. "The counselor was empathic and able to pick up on subtle cues and nonverbal communication to understand her clients' needs."

  8. "He was an empathic parent and always seemed to know when his children were upset, even when they didn't express it."

  9. "She had an empathic ability to sense the emotions of others and was able to provide comfort and support in difficult times."

  10. "The therapist was empathic and able to create a safe and supportive space for her clients to explore their emotions."


Empathetic or Empathic
Empathetic or Empathic