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Pathetically: meaning, definitions and examples

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pathetically

 

[ pəˈθɛtɪkli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

emotionally charged

Pathetically is an adverb used to describe actions or situations that evoke pity or sadness. It implies a sense of weakness or inadequacy. Often, it connotes that something is disappointingly deficient or below expectations. The term can suggest that someone is trying but failing in a way that generates sympathy from others.

Synonyms

miserably, pitifully, tragically, woefully

Examples of usage

  • He pathetically attempted to lift the heavy weights.
  • She pathetically pleaded for help after getting lost.
  • The performance was pathetically short of the audience's expectations.

Translations

Translations of the word "pathetically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pateticamente

🇮🇳 दया से

🇩🇪 pathetisch

🇮🇩 patetik

🇺🇦 патретично

🇵🇱 patetycznie

🇯🇵 悲惨に

🇫🇷 pathétiquement

🇪🇸 patéticamente

🇹🇷 ağır bir şekilde

🇰🇷 비참하게

🇸🇦 بشكل مثير للشفقة

🇨🇿 pateticky

🇸🇰 pateticky

🇨🇳 可悲地

🇸🇮 patetično

🇮🇸 patetískt

🇰🇿 қасіретті түрде

🇬🇪 სასოწარკვეთილად

🇦🇿 ağrılı bir şəkildə

🇲🇽 patéticamente

Etymology

The word 'pathetically' originates from the Greek word 'pathos', meaning 'suffering' or 'emotion'. This term transitioned through Latin and Middle English before evolving into its current form. 'Pathos' was commonly used in literature and rhetoric to evoke an emotional response from the audience. The suffix '-ically' is added to form an adverb, transforming the adjective 'pathetic', which describes something that causes pity, into a manner of action. Over time, the term has been used not only in literary contexts but has expanded to everyday use, often carrying connotations of disappointment and inadequate attempts in various situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,681, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.