empathy

Syllables:
em·pa·thy
3 syllables
empathy in syllables

About "empathy"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "empathy" into Syllables

The word empathy is divided into 3 syllables: em·pa·thy. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • em — 1st syllable
  • pa — 2nd syllable
  • thy — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of empathy:

  • IPA: /ˈɛmpəθi/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. empathy (countable and uncountable, plural empathies)
  2. Identification with or understanding of the thoughts, feelings, or emotional state of another person.

📚 Word Origin & History

A twentieth-century borrowing from Ancient Greek ἐμπάθεια (empátheia, literally “passion”) (formed from ἐν (en, “in, at”) + πάθος (páthos, “feeling”)), equivalent to em- +‎ -pathy, coined by Edward Bradford Titchener in 1909 to translate German Einfühlung. The modern word in Greek εμπάθεια (empátheia) has an opposite meaning denoting strong negative feelings and prejudice against someone.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down empathy into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare empathy with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
empathy 3 em·pa·thy
empty 2 emp-ty
embed 2 emb-ed
embody 3 em-bo-dy

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to empathy:

empty, empire, employ, empanel, emperor, empiric, employe, empower.

Frequently Asked Questions About "empathy"

How many syllables does "empathy" have?

empathy has 3 syllables: em·pa·thy. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "empathy"?

The stress is on the first syllable: em. This means you emphasize the "em" part when pronouncing empathy.

How do you pronounce "empathy"?

empathy is pronounced as /ˈɛmpəθi/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: em·pa·thy.

Is "empathy" easy to spell?

Breaking empathy into syllables helps with spelling: em·pa·thy. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "empathy" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.