Which term best describes the ability to recognize and understand another person's feelings and thoughts?

• A. Apathy
• B. Introspection
• C. Sympathy
• D. Empathy

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms involved in the question. The question asks for the term that describes the ability to recognize and understand another person's feelings and thoughts.
2. Step 2: Define each option briefly: Apathy refers to a lack of interest or concern; Introspection is the examination of one's own thoughts and feelings; Sympathy involves feeling pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune; Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
3. Step 3: Compare the definitions to the question. Since the question focuses on recognizing and understanding another person's feelings and thoughts, the term must involve this active understanding and emotional connection.
4. Step 4: Identify that Empathy specifically involves both recognizing and understanding another person's internal experiences, which matches the question's description.
5. Step 5: Conclude that Empathy is the best term to describe this ability, distinguishing it from the other options which either lack understanding or focus on self-reflection.