What is defined as the ability to enter into and share the feelings of others?

The ability to enter into and share the feelings of others is best described by empathy. Empathy involves not just recognizing and understanding another person's emotional experience, but also feeling a connection to that experience. It entails an emotional resonance where one can "put themselves in someone else's shoes," allowing for a deeper engagement with their feelings and perspectives. This capacity fosters meaningful connections and enhances interpersonal relationships by promoting understanding and support.

While sympathy, compassion, and understanding are related concepts, they differ slightly in meaning. Sympathy often refers to feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune without necessarily sharing their emotional experience. Compassion includes a sense of concern and willingness to help those who are suffering but may not always involve a deep emotional connection. Understanding signifies a cognitive grasp of someone else's situation but does not imply the emotional sharing that characterizes empathy. Thus, empathy is distinct in its capacity to bridge emotional experiences between individuals, making it the correct choice in this context.