---
title: "Vocabulary: understanding others"
description: "Know and use the key vocabulary for understanding others — empathy, perspective, kind, fair, community, similar, different, and care — and understand that these words describe real habits of thinking "
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vocabulary-understanding-others-mt_wRlf0g2MbB
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vocabulary-understanding-others-mt_wRlf0g2MbB.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Vocabulary: understanding others

Know and use the key vocabulary for understanding others — empathy, perspective, kind, fair, community, similar, different, and care — and understand that these words describe real habits of thinking and feeling

Subject: Personal & Social Development · Area: Empathy & Social Awareness · Ages 5 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vocabulary-understanding-others-mt_wRlf0g2MbB

## Ready when they can

- Use the word 'empathy' correctly and distinguish it from 'sympathy' — e.g. 'Empathy means I try to feel what they feel'
- Explain what 'perspective' and 'point of view' mean and demonstrate by describing how two people might see the same event differently
- Use words like 'community', 'belonging', and 'inclusion' accurately when talking about their school or neighbourhood

## Lesson: Words for understanding others

Empathy means you try to feel what someone feels. Sympathy just feels sorry for them from far away. Empathy means you step closer and share the feeling. Being empathetic is one way to be kind and show you care.

**Example.** Mia sees Sam drop his lunch tray on the floor. She imagines how sad and embarrassed he must feel. That is empathy: feeling what someone else feels inside.

*(drawing: Sam drops his tray. Mia sees it, imagines how he feels, and feels a little of it too. That is empathy stepping closer.)*

Perspective means how one person sees something. People also call this a point of view. Two people can watch the same thing and feel differently. Friends can be similar in some ways and different in others. A community is a group who shares a place. When everyone feels welcome there, that is inclusion.

**Tip.** Fair means everyone gets what they need, not always the exact same thing. You can care about friends who are similar or different from you. Try using these words when you talk with friends.

**Recap.** Empathy, perspective, fairness, and community are words for caring about others.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Opens up

- [Vocabulary: social awareness](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vocabulary-social-awareness-mt_a6AYrbb7x4)
- [Everyday Kindness and Care](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/everyday-kindness-and-care-mt_lAvS72LOUO)
- [Similarities & Differences](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/similarities-and-differences-mt_OJVkWvIaM_)
- [Other People's Feelings and Thoughts](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/other-peoples-feelings-and-thoughts-mt_wzUzVEBqJb)