Empathy
/ˈɛm.pə.θi/noun
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Did you know?The term 'empathy' emerged in the early 20th century, derived from a translation of the German word 'Einfühlung', literally meaning 'feeling into' — a concept deeply entwined with human connection and understanding.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἐμπαθεία (empatheia)
“A state of being emotionally affected or moved.”
19th Century
German
Einfühlung
“Aesthetic term meaning 'feeling into', used to describe emotional resonance with art.”
20th Century
English
Empathy
“Adoption of 'Einfühlung' into English to denote emotional understanding.”
Modern
English
Empathy
“Refined to signify a deep, shared emotional experience between individuals.”