What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
empathy
Example
She showed empathy towards her friend who was going through a tough time. [empathy: noun]
Example
He empathized with his colleague's frustration over the project. [empathized: verb]
sensitivity
Example
She has a sensitivity to light and prefers to work in a dimly lit room. [sensitivity: noun]
Example
He showed sensitivity towards his friend's anxiety and offered to help. [sensitivity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Empathy is more commonly used than sensitivity in everyday language. Empathy is a widely recognized concept that is used in various fields, such as psychology, counseling, and education. On the other hand, sensitivity is a less common term that is often used in specific contexts, such as social interactions or workplace communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between empathy and sensitivity?
Both empathy and sensitivity can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, empathy is generally viewed as a more formal term that is used in professional settings, while sensitivity is viewed as a more informal term that is used in casual conversations.
