Empathetic empathy is, essentially, redundant. Empathy, by its very definition, encompasses the act of understanding and sharing the feelings of another. Therefore, "empathetic empathy" is like saying "understanding understanding."
However, while technically repetitive, the phrase "empathetic empathy" might be used colloquially to emphasize a particularly strong or profound level of empathetic connection. Think of it as an intensified form of empathy.
Here's a breakdown:
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Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It involves stepping into someone else's shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.
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"Empathetic Empathy" (Potential Meaning): While not a standard term, it could be used informally to describe empathy that is:
- Deeply felt: More than just understanding, truly feeling the emotions of another person.
- Actively expressed: Showing your understanding and support through your words and actions.
- Highly accurate: A very precise and nuanced understanding of the other person's emotional state.
In essence, if someone uses the term "empathetic empathy," they are likely trying to convey an extremely strong and active connection to another person's emotions. While the phrase is grammatically questionable, the intent is to highlight a significant degree of understanding and compassion.
