pathetic

Definition

Arousing pity, sympathy, or compassion; exciting pathos.

Etymology

From Middle French pathétique, from Latin patheticus, from Ancient Greek παθητικός (pathētikós, “subject to feeling, capable of feeling, impassioned”), from παθητός (pathētós, “one who has suffered, subject to suffering”), from πάσχω (páskhō, “to suffer”).

Example Sentences

• "The child’s pathetic pleas for forgiveness stirred the young man’s heart."
• "We have now arrived at one of the most pathetic and glorious events in the history of Israel, one which sanctifies the Lamanite race with the powers of martyrdom, and, by the blood of the victims, washes its garments white from many a former sin."
• "She held his hand in one of hers, but she too was dozing, and the two made a pretty, or rather a pathetic, picture."

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