What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pathetically
Example
He played pathetically in the game and missed every shot. [pathetically: adverb]
Example
The company's profits were pathetically low this quarter. [pathetically: adverb]
pitifully
Example
The homeless man looked pitifully at the passerby, hoping for some spare change. [pitifully: adverb]
Example
The child cried pitifully after losing their favorite toy. [pitifully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pitifully is more commonly used than pathetically in everyday language. Pitifully is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pathetically is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pathetically and pitifully?
Pitifully is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. On the other hand, pathetically is more informal and colloquial, making it less appropriate for formal settings.
