pathos


pa·thos

noun
\ˈpā-ˌthäs, -ˌths, -ˌthōs also ˈpa-\

Definition of PATHOS

1
: an element in experience or in artistic representation evoking pity or compassion
2
: an emotion of sympathetic pity

Examples of PATHOS

  1. Our knowledge of his tragic end adds an element of pathos to the story of his early success.

Origin of PATHOS

Greek, suffering, experience, emotion, from paschein (aor. pathein) to experience, suffer; perhaps akin to Lithuanian kęsti to suffer
First Known Use: 1591

Britannica.com

Learn more about "pathos" and related topics at Britannica.com

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: pathway
Previous Word in the Dictionary: pathophysiology
All Words Near: pathos