Definitions
- Describing someone or something that evokes sympathy or compassion. - Referring to a situation or condition that is unfortunate or distressing. - Talking about a person or thing that is deserving of pity or mercy.
- Describing someone or something that is sad, weak, or feeble. - Referring to a situation or condition that is hopeless or inadequate. - Talking about a person or thing that is deserving of contempt or ridicule.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is sad or unfortunate.
- 2Both words can be used to evoke an emotional response.
- 3Both words can be used to describe people or situations.
What is the difference?
- 1Connotation: Pitiable has a more sympathetic connotation, while pathetic has a more negative connotation.
- 2Intensity: Pathetic is a stronger word than pitiable and can be more insulting or offensive.
- 3Deserving: Pitiable implies that someone or something is deserving of pity or compassion, while pathetic implies that someone or something is deserving of contempt or ridicule.
- 4Usage: Pitiable is less commonly used than pathetic in everyday language.
- 5Tone: Pitiable is generally used in a more serious or formal tone, while pathetic can be used in a more casual or informal tone.
Remember this!
Pitiable and pathetic are synonyms that both describe something sad or unfortunate. However, pitiable has a more sympathetic connotation and implies that someone or something is deserving of pity or compassion. On the other hand, pathetic has a more negative connotation and implies that someone or something is deserving of contempt or ridicule.
