pathetic

pa-thet-ic · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Arousing pity, especially through sadness or inadequacy.

  2. 2.

    (informal) Miserably inadequate; of very poor quality.

  3. 3.

    (archaic) Relating to the emotions.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    pathetic fallacy — Attributing human emotions to nature or inanimate objects.

Related words

Antonyms: admirable, commendable, impressive
See also: pitiable, pitiful, sad
Synonyms: miserable, pitiful, sorry

Etymology

From French pathétique, from Late Latin patheticus, from Greek pathetikos ("sensitive, capable of feeling"), from pathos ("suffering, feeling").