Myötäelävä

Myötäelävä is a Finnish word that translates to empathy, compassion, or sympathy in English. It describes the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. This capacity involves not just recognizing someone's emotional state, but also experiencing a similar feeling, often to a lesser degree, or at least understanding the emotional impact of a situation on them.

Empathy, as embodied by the concept of myötäelävä, is a crucial aspect of human social interaction and relationships. It allows individuals to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering trust and mutual understanding. When someone exhibits myötäelävä, they are showing that they care about the well-being of others and are willing to offer support or comfort.

The term can be used in various contexts. For instance, a friend might express myötäelävä towards someone going through a difficult time, offering a listening ear and understanding. In a broader societal sense, myötäelävä can refer to a collective sense of shared feeling or concern for a particular group or situation. It is often seen as a positive and desirable human trait, contributing to a more caring and supportive community. The opposite of myötäelävä might be indifference or a lack of concern for the feelings of others.