Empathy & Understanding: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that one should focus on taking care of their own family and community first, before extending acts of kindness to others

"Charity starts at home."

"He prioritized his children's needs before volunteering, as charity begins at home."

used to imply that kind and compassionate people can form effortless and meaningful connections with others, as they are more receptive to simple acts of kindness and affection

"Kind people are easily moved — a gentle heart is tied with an easy thread."

"She responded to every appeal for help — a gentle heart is tied with an easy thread."

used to emphasize that one should treat others in the same way that one would like to be treated themselves

"Treat others as you wish to be treated — do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

"She applied the same standard to others that she expected for herself — do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

used to imply that there is a strong connection between the emotions of pity and love, as feeling sorry for someone can lead to empathy and affection toward them

"Feeling sorry for someone is close to love — pity is akin to love."

"Her compassion for his situation gradually became something deeper — pity is akin to love."

used to imply that when one truly loves another, they are more likely to overlook or forgive their faults or mistakes, emphasizing the power of love to overcome shortcomings or flaws

"Love forgives many faults."

"Despite his mistakes, she stayed with him because love covers a multitude of sins."

used to suggest that when someone is comfortable or satisfied, they may view things more positively and underestimate the difficulties faced by others

"Those who are comfortable assume everyone is — he that is warm thinks all so."

"The well-paid executive had no idea of the financial pressure his team were under — he that is warm thinks all so."

used to suggest that in order to truly understand someone, one must possess similar qualities, experiences, or characteristics themselves

"You need similar experience to recognise something — it takes one to know one."

"Only someone who had experienced real hardship could recognise the signs in others, because it takes one to know one."

used to imply that if one understands the full context or circumstances behind someone's actions or behavior, they will be more likely to forgive them

"Understanding someone fully means forgiving them — to know all is to forgive all."

"Once she heard his full story, her anger dissolved — to know all is to forgive all."

used to emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, and avoiding actions that cause harm or suffering, recognizing the finite and precious nature of life

"Don't make others sad."

"She refused to spread gossip, remembering that life is too short to make others' shorter."

used to express a sense of humility and gratitude, acknowledging that one's circumstances could have been different if not for the benevolence or favor of a higher power

"He lost everything through no fault of his own — there but for the grace of God go I."

"She watched the news of the redundancies and thought quietly there but for the grace of God go I."

used to encourage gratitude and empathy, reminding individuals that they could have been in a similar situation as those facing difficulties if not for external factors beyond their control

"There but for the grace of god go I."

"Seeing their misfortune, I thought, 'there but for the grace of god go I.'"