em·pa·thize empathizes empathizing empathized in BRIT, also use empathise If you empathize with someone, you understand their situation, problems, and feelings, because you have been in a similar situation. I clearly empathize with the people who live in those neighborhoods Parents must make use of their natural ability to empathize. to be able to understand someone else's feelings, problems etc, especially because you have had similar experiences sympathize empathize with