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Nederlands
empathie — meaning in English: empathy
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empathy
afgeleiden
zeven
zichzelf
communicatie
empathie
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neutral
common
Usage
The word 'empathie' is often used in discussions about mental health, personal relationships, and social issues in the Netherlands. Native speakers might use it when talking about understanding someone's feelings in a therapy session or during a conversation about supporting a friend going through tough times.
Synonyms & nuances
'Empathie' is closely related to 'medeleven', which means 'compassion' or 'sympathy'. While 'medeleven' implies caring for someone else's suffering, 'empathie' involves a deeper understanding and sensation of their feelings. You would choose 'empathie' when emphasizing the active process of feeling what others feel, rather than just recognizing their pain.
Culture
The term 'empathie' comes from the Greek word 'empatheia', which means 'passion' or 'suffering'. In the Dutch context, it gained prominence in the 20th century as psychology and emotional intelligence became focal points in societal conversations. Interestingly, the rise of social media has significantly amplified discussions about empathie, as people often share personal stories and seek emotional connections online.
FAQ
