Dear Geist,
Which is correct for the adjective form of
: empathic, or empathetic? Dictionaries differ on this.
—
Dear Wondering,
Both are correct.
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