Meaning & Definition of word "Pathos"
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Pathos
/ˈpeɪθɒs/
noun:
- 1. A quality that evokes pity or sadness.
- Example: The film's pathos was so compelling that the audience was brought to tears.
- 2. An appeal to the audience's emotions in rhetoric or literature.
- Example: The speaker used pathos to effectively connect with the crowd on a personal level.
- 3. The emotional weight or significance of a situation or work of art.
- Example: The painting captured the pathos of the human experience during wartime.
Etymology
Greek pathos, meaning 'suffering' or 'emotion'
Common Phrases and Expressions
pathos of the situation:
A reference to the emotional gravity or sadness encapsulated in a given situation.
appeal to pathos:
A persuasive technique aimed at inciting emotions to sway an audience.
Related Words
empathy:
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
sympathy:
Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone's misfortune.
Slang Meanings of pathos
Meaning: Overly dramatic expression of emotion.
Example Sentence: That movie was full of pathos, it was almost cringe-worthy.
Meaning: Sentimental appeal that feels exaggerated.
Example Sentence: Her speech was so full of pathos, it felt like she was trying too hard to make us cry.