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's delay. [empathized: verb]
understanding
Example
I have an understanding of the basic principles of physics. [understanding: noun]
Example
She is very understanding of her children's needs. [understanding: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Understanding is more commonly used than empathy in everyday language. Understanding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while empathy is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between empathy and understanding?
Both empathy and understanding can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but understanding is generally considered more neutral and appropriate for formal situations.
