Empathy means the ability to understand and feel what another person may be experiencing, by trying to see the situation from their perspective.

In very simple words:

“Try to understand what another person is feeling before judging them.”

Example

Suppose a student fails an exam and becomes quiet.

Sympathy: “I feel sorry for you.”

Empathy: “I can imagine how disappointed and worried you must be feeling.”

Thinkers associated with empathy

Carl Rogers — emphasized empathetic understanding in humanistic psychology. He believed that genuinely understanding another person’s experience is important for healthy relationships and personal growth.

Martin Hoffman — studied empathy as an important part of moral development and helping behaviour.