What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
empathic
Example
She showed an empathic response to her friend's struggles. [empathic: adjective]
Example
The therapist listened with an empathic ear, understanding the patient's perspective. [empathic: adverb]
compassionate
Example
He felt a deep sense of compassion for the homeless man on the street. [compassion: noun]
Example
She showed a compassionate response to her colleague's personal struggles. [compassionate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compassionate is more commonly used than empathic in everyday language. Compassionate is a more general term that can be applied in various contexts, while empathic is more specific and often used in therapeutic or counseling settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between empathic and compassionate?
Both empathic and compassionate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but empathic is more commonly associated with professional or academic settings, while compassionate is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
