empathetic

[ em-puh-thet-ik ]

adjective

1. relating to or characterized by empathy, the psychological identification with the emotions, thoughts, or attitudes of others:

   One of the great strengths of the school is our sensitive, empathetic counseling staff.

Other Words From

• em·pa·thet·i·cal·ly em·path·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·em·path·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of empathetic¹

First recorded in 1930–35; empath(y) + -etic

Related Words

• compassionate
• sensitive
• sympathetic