Differentiating Empathetic and Empathic: A Simple Guide

Differentiating Empathetic and Empathic: A Simple Guide

Understanding the Difference: Empathetic vs. Empathic

Both empathetic and empathic are words that relate to the feeling of empathy. Let’s explore their history, when to use them, and how to remember the difference.

History

The word empathy comes from the Greek word “empatheia,” which means feeling into someone else. Over time, two adjectives formed from empathy: empathetic and empathic.

How to Use Them

Empathetic is the more commonly used word today. It means understanding and caring about other people’s feelings.

• She gave an empathetic response to his sadness.
• The nurse was very empathetic with the sick children.
• He showed his empathetic nature by listening patiently.
• The author wrote with an empathetic voice.
• My friend is very empathetic when I have problems.

Empathic is a less common word but means the same as empathetic. Some people prefer it because it’s shorter.

• The therapist was empathic during our sessions.
• Her empathic skills made her a good leader.
• He had an empathic connection with animals.
• Being empathic helps her understand her friends better.
• The doctor was both skilled and empathic.

Trick to Remember the Difference

A simple way to remember the difference is that empathetic is the longer and more popular choice. Think of the “a” in empathetic and “a lot” of people use it.

Summary

Both empathetic and empathic mean the same thing. Empathetic is more common, while empathic is shorter and less used. You can choose either one, but most people will understand empathetic more quickly. Remember the trick: empathetic is “a lot” more used.