a quality that evokes pity or sadness, a style that has the power to evoke feelings of pity or sadness

have pathos, pathos of distance, pathos of life

pathos appeal, pathos formula, pathos song

Formal and Informal Expressions of pathos

In different contexts, you can replace 'pathos' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'poignancy, sorrowfulness' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'sadness, tearjerker' is a commonplace synonym.

pathos: Explore its Definition & Usage

pathos Definition

1a quality that evokes pity or sadness
2a style that has the power to evoke feelings of pity or sadness

Using pathos: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pathos" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The pathos of the situation was overwhelming.
Example
The movie was full of pathos and made me cry.
Example
The speech was delivered with great pathos, moving the audience to tears.

pathos Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pathos

Antonyms for pathos

Idioms Using pathos

have pathos
to be emotionally moving or poignant
Example
The movie had pathos, making the audience cry.
pathos of distance
the feeling of sadness or longing that arises from being separated from someone or something by time or space
Example
The immigrant felt the pathos of distance, missing her family and home country.
pathos of life
the inherent sadness or tragedy of human existence
Example
The writer explored the pathos of life in his novels, depicting the struggles and sorrows of ordinary people.

Phrases with pathos

pathos appeal
a persuasive technique used in writing or speaking that appeals to the audience's emotions, often through the use of vivid language or imagery
Example
The politician's speech relied heavily on a pathos appeal, using stories of struggling families to gain support for his policies.
pathos formula
a set of techniques used in literature or film to evoke feelings of pity or sadness in the audience, often through the use of tragic events or characters
Example
The novel followed a pathos formula, with the protagonist facing one tragedy after another.
pathos song
a song that evokes strong feelings of sadness or pity in the listener, often through the use of melancholic melodies or lyrics
Example
The singer's latest album is full of pathos songs that reflect on lost love and heartbreak.

Origins of pathos

from Greek 'pathein', meaning 'to suffer'

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Summary: pathos in Brief

'Pathos' [ˈpeɪθɒs] refers to a quality or style that evokes feelings of pity or sadness. It can be found in various forms of art, such as movies, songs, and literature, and is often used to create emotional connections with the audience. Examples include 'The pathos of the situation was overwhelming,' and 'The speech was delivered with great pathos, moving the audience to tears.' Idioms like 'have pathos' and 'pathos of life' further illustrate the concept.