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Empathize vs Empathetic - What's the difference?

empathize | empathetic |

As a verb empathize

is to feel empathy for another person.

As an adjective empathetic is

showing empathy for others, and recognizing their feelings etc; empathic.

empathize

English

Alternative forms

* empathise (British, Canadian, Australian)

Verb

(en-verb)
  • to feel empathy for another person
  • * 2001, Alias (TV, episode 1.03)
    • Must have been [...] devastating when Kenny was killed. But I want you to know that you can trust me. I understand you. I empathize .

    Usage notes

    Used similarly to sympathize, interchangeably in looser usage. In stricter usage, empathize is stronger and more intimate, while (term) is weaker and more distant; see .

    empathetic

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Showing empathy for others, and recognizing their feelings etc; empathic