What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humanize
Example
The author's use of vivid descriptions helped to humanize the characters in the story. [humanize: verb]
Example
The documentary aimed to humanize the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. [humanize: verb]
empathize
Example
I can empathize with how difficult it must be to lose a loved one. [empathize: verb]
Example
The therapist encouraged the patient to empathize with their own emotions and experiences. [empathize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Empathize is more commonly used than humanize in everyday language, especially in interpersonal relationships and communication. Humanize is more commonly used in academic or professional contexts, such as in literature or marketing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between humanize and empathize?
Both humanize and empathize can be used in formal and informal contexts, but humanize may be more commonly used in academic or professional settings due to its specific meaning and application.