What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pathetic
Example
The sight of the abandoned puppy was pathetic. [pathetic: adjective]
Example
He made a pathetic attempt at singing. [pathetic: adjective]
sad
Example
She felt sad after hearing the news of her friend's passing. [sad: adjective]
Example
It's sad to see so much waste in the world. [sad: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sad is more commonly used than pathetic in everyday language. Sad is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pathetic is less common and more formal, often used in academic or literary settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pathetic and sad?
Pathetic is more formal than sad and may be considered inappropriate or offensive in some contexts due to its negative connotation. Sad is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
