
lit-lorn-strait
Dear Geist, Which is correct for the adjective form of empathy: empathic, or empathetic? Dictionaries differ on this. —Just Wondering, Montreal QC Dear Wondering, Both are correct. Empathetic is more common; empathic is an older form but perfectly good. Dictionaries present words as they are spoken and written, rather than setting out “rules.” Because language changes constantly, lexicographers have to make a lot of judgment calls, so dictionaries differ. —The Editors