What is the definition of empathy?

Empathy is defined as the capacity to cognitively and/or emotionally understand the experience of another from their perspective. In other words, empathy is your ability to put yourself in someone's position to understand their thoughts and feelings. Empathy is a trait that is both innate and learned.

This means some people are more naturally empathetic than others, but it is a skill that almost all people can develop. It is consider a crucial survival trait because it helps develop compassion, mutual-aid, and mutual-success.