What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sympathetic
Example
She was very sympathetic when I told her about my problems. [sympathetic: adjective]
Example
I feel sympathetic towards the victims of the natural disaster. [sympathetic: adjective]
Example
The doctor was very sympathetic towards his patient's pain. [sympathetic: adjective]
empathetic
Example
She was very empathetic towards her friend who was going through a tough time. [empathetic: adjective]
Example
As a therapist, it's important to be empathetic towards your clients. [empathetic: adjective]
Example
He showed empathy towards his colleague who was struggling with a difficult project. [empathy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sympathetic is more common than empathetic in everyday language. Sympathetic is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while empathetic is a more specific term that is often used in professional or therapeutic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sympathetic and empathetic?
Empathetic is generally considered more formal than sympathetic. It is often used in professional or therapeutic contexts, while sympathetic can be used in both formal and informal situations.
