What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relatable
Example
I find her stories very relatable. [relatable: adjective]
Example
The movie's themes were so relatable that I felt like it was made for me. [relatable: adjective]
empathetic
Example
She showed empathy towards her friend who was going through a tough time. [empathy: noun]
Example
He was empathetic to his colleague's struggles and offered support. [empathetic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relatable is more commonly used than empathetic in everyday language, especially in the context of social media and pop culture. Empathetic is more commonly used in professional or therapeutic settings where emotional understanding and support are important.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relatable and empathetic?
Empathetic is generally considered more formal than relatable, as it is often used in professional or therapeutic contexts. Relatable is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
