What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patetico
Example
The opera singer's performance was so patetico that it brought tears to my eyes. [patetico: adjective]
Example
The movie's ending was incredibly patetico, leaving the audience feeling emotionally drained. [patetico: adjective]
pathetic
Example
The homeless man's situation was so pathetic that I gave him some money. [pathetic: adjective]
Example
The team's performance was pathetic, losing by a score of 10-0. [pathetic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pathetic is more commonly used than patetico in everyday language. Pathetic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while patetico is less common and refers to a specific type of emotional impact.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patetico and pathetic?
While patetico is typically associated with a formal and artistic tone, pathetic is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.